When To Plant Lavender In California

If you want to grow lavender in California, timing is everything. Knowing when to plant lavender in California is the first step to a thriving, fragrant garden.

Our climate is perfect for this Mediterranean herb, but planting at the wrong time can lead to problems. This guide gives you the simple, clear timing and steps you need for success.

The best time to plant lavender in California depends largely on your region. For most areas, the optimal windows are in the fall or spring.

Fall planting (October to early November) is often ideal for Southern and coastal California. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth, and the cooler air reduces stress on the young plant. This gives it a head start to establish before next summer’s heat.

Spring planting (March to April) is better for colder inland and northern regions where frost is a concern. Wait until the danger of the last frost has passed. This gives plants a full season to grow before winter.

Regional Timing Breakdown

California’s microclimates mean a one-size-fits-all date doesn’t work. Here’s a quick regional guide:

Southern California & Coastal Areas: Plant from October to November or February to March. Avoid the peak summer heat.
Central Valley & Inland Areas: Plant in early spring (March-April) after frost risk, or in early fall (September-October). Summer heat is intense, so extra water at first is crucial.
Northern California: Plant in mid to late spring (April-May) once soil warms. Fall planting can work if done early enough for roots to establish before cold, wet winter soil sets in.

Why Timing Matters So Much

Planting at the right time does two critical things. First, it allows the lavender’s root system to develop strong before environmental stress hits—be it summer drought or winter chill. A well-established plant is far more resilient.

Second, it aligns the plant’s natural growth cycle with our seasons. Lavender loves sun and hates wet feet. Planting in fall or spring avoids the soggy winter crown rot in some areas and the brutal seedling-scorching summer sun.

Choosing the Right Lavender Variety

Picking a variety suited to your zone improves your success. The three main types are:

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Best for cooler coastal and northern climates. It’s more cold-tolerant but less heat-loving. Look for ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Thrives in hotter, drier areas like Southern California. It has distinctive “bunny ear” blooms.
Lavandin Hybrids (Lavandula x intermedia): Often called ‘Grosso’ or ‘Provence’, these are workhorses for many California gardens. They are very heat and drought tolerant once established.

What to Look for at the Nursery

Choose plants that look sturdy, not leggy. Check for healthy, silver-green foliage without yellowing or spots. Gently tip the pot to see if roots are bound tightly; a few roots at the drainage hole is fine, but a solid mat is not ideal.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you have your plant and your timing is right, follow these steps.

Pick the Sunniest Spot: Lavender needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. More is better.
Check Drainage: This is non-negotiable. If your soil is heavy clay, plant on a mound or in a raised bed. You can do a simple test by digging a hole, filling it with water; if it drains in less than an hour, you’re good.
Prepare the Soil: Lavender prefers poor, rocky, alkaline soil. Mix your native soil with plenty of coarse compost or crushed gravel. Avoid rich, moisture-retentive potting mixes.
Plant Correctly: Dig a hole just slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant so the crown (where stem meets roots) sits slightly above soil level to prevent rot. Backfill and gently firm the soil.
Water Wisely: Water deeply immediately after planting. Then, allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill lavender.
Mulch for Protection: Use a thin layer of small, inorganic mulch like pebbles or crushed shell. This keeps the crown dry and reflects heat. Avoid organic mulch like bark that holds moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with perfect timing, a few errors can set your plant back. Watch out for these.

Overwatering: Lavender is drought-tolerant. Soggy soil leads to root rot. When in doubt, don’t water.
Using Rich Soil or Fertilizer: Lavender blooms best in lean soil. Fertilizer often leads to lots of leaves and few flowers, and can even harm the plant.
Planting Too Deep: Burying the crown is a common cause of failure. Always keep it exposed and above soil level.
Pruning at the Wrong Time: Prune lightly right after the first bloom to shape, but avoid heavy pruning in fall, as new growth can be damanged by frost.

Care Through the Seasons

Your job after planting is straightforward. Water deeply but infrequently, tapering off as the plant matures. Established lavender may only need rain in many parts of California.

Prune every year to prevent the plant from becoming woody. The best time is after the first flowering flush in early summer. Remove about one-third of the green growth, but never cut back into old, bare wood.

Pests are rarely a serious issue, which is one reason lavender is so beloved. Good air circulation and dry soil prevent most fungal problems. If you see spittlebugs, just spray them off with a strong jet of water.

Harvesting Your Blooms

For the best fragrance, harvest flower spikes when the buds are just starting to open. This is typically in late spring or early summer. Cut stems in the morning after the dew has dried. Bundle and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, airy place to dry.

FAQ: Planting Lavender in California

Can I plant lavender in summer?
It’s not recommended. The heat stresses new plants, requiring constant watering which they dislike. If you must, plant from a large container, provide afternoon shade, and water very carefully.

Is lavender perennial in California?
Yes, lavender is a perennial shrub in most of California and will come back year after year for many years with proper care.

How often should I water newly planted lavender?
Water once or twice a week for the first few weeks, then gradually extend the time between waterings. Within a couple months, you should be watering every two to three weeks, if at all, depending on rainfall.

Why is my lavender plant dying?
The most likely culprits are overwatering or poor drainage. Check that the soil is dry and the plant’s crown isn’t sitting in moisture. Fungal root rot from wet soil is often fatal.

What are the best companion plants for lavender?
Choose other drought-loving, sun-adoring Mediterannean herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. They have similar water and soil needs.

Getting the timing right sets your lavender up for a lifetime of beauty and scent. By planting in the cool seasons of fall or spring, choosing the right variety, and ensuring perfect drainage, you’ll have a low-maintenance garden star that thrives in the California sun for years to come. Remember, the key is to treat it a little tough—it preffers neglect over too much attention.