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When To Plant Lavender In California

The best planting time for lavender is fall. October’s cooler temperatures, low to moderate rainfall and less intense sun work well for planting lavender. By establishing itself in fall and winter, lavender is ready to bloom in spring.

What month should I plant lavender?

Plant lavender in spring, once all chances of frost have passed. This beautiful, fragrant herb is a great addition to raised beds, in-ground gardens, and growing in containers. Space lavender plants 12 to 18 inches apart in an area with plenty of sunlight and sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.7 to 7.3.

Does lavender grow year round in California?

While freezing temperatures, rain and humidity make many varieties of lavender tricky to grow in most of the country, we in Los Angeles can grow all of them. Easily. Lavender comes from the Mediterranean, making Southern California a home away from home. The elegant, gray-green foliage is not just for show.

What lavender grows best in California?

The Best Lavenders for Northern California ‘Royal Velvet’ English lavender is known for repeat blooming, white-dappled flower spikes. ‘With Love’ Spanish lavender has dark purple flowers with bright pink bracts. French lavender is one of the taller lavenders and has pale, toothed flowers.

Can you plant lavender any time of year?

Lavender is best planted between April and May as the soil is warming up.

How late can you plant lavender?

Lavender can be sown indoors in late winter or outdoors in early spring or late fall.

When should I plant lavender outside?

When to Plant Lavender is best planted as a young plant in the spring, after the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C) and the threat of frost has passed. If planting in the fall, choose larger, more established plants to ensure their survival through the winter.

Does lavender bloom all year?

Lavender Types, Lavender Varieties, Lavender Blooming Seasons. Depending on where you live, you can enjoy Lavender blooms almost all year in your garden. Because not all Lavenders bloom at the same time and some bloom continuously, producing flowers all spring and summer.

Does lavender survive winter?

As mentioned above, English lavender is winter-hardy to Zone 5 and may only need a bit of help in the form of a thin layer of straw. Otherwise, lavender shouldn’t need any extra care outdoors. Spanish and French lavenders, on the other hand, are only hardy to Zone 8, and will need to be brought indoors in colder areas.

How long does lavender bloom in Southern California?

Plants should be productive for 6 to 8 years, though some can continue to produce for up to 20 years. The seeded varieties of lavenders are somewhat short-lived and are often grown as annuals. Most of them will usually produce well only the first year.

Which lavender is best for Southern California?

Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is one of the best choices for locations with hot, humid summers.

Is there a native California lavender?

Lavender is not native to California—it originated in the Mediterranean. However, it does grow well in California because the climate is similar to the Mediterranean.

How do you grow lavender in Southern California?

Plant lavender in full sun and well-drained soil (add organic matter to improve heavy soils). Starting with the proper conditions is essential for successfully growing lavender. Water plants deeply but infrequently, when the soil is almost dry. Prune every year immediately after bloom.

Can lavender survive winter in pots?

English lavenders are cold hardy and can survive winter in pots up to USDA zone 4 with the right care and preparation. French and Spanish lavender pots will need protection from Winter cold and should be brought indoors in the Fall before the first frost of Winter.

Is lavender an annual or perennial?

Lavender is a perennial that will last for several years under the right conditions. Because of its Mediterranean origin, lavender loves blazing hot sun and dry soil. If your lavender doesn’t thrive, it’s most likely due to overwatering, too much shade, and high humidity levels.

Does lavender stay green in winter?

A NEW DAY FOR LAVENDER Not only does it retain its foliage through the winter, but it also stands up to humidity. And that’s no small feat for a species that originated in the dry, hot climates of Africa, Europe and Asia. The plant looks amazing in winter, maintaining its silver-grey foliage atop a neat, compact mound.

Is it OK to plant lavender in July?

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a fully hardy plant which flowers in June and July. Popular varieties include ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’. French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is slightly less hardy than English but flowers from May to September if deadheaded.

Can I grow lavender in July?

In some areas of the country, you can get away with planting in the heat of summer – in other areas, best to wait until late summer or early fall. Lavender wants full sun and lean, well-draining soil.

Can lavender plants be planted in the fall?

Benefits of fall planting Planting into the warm soils of fall allows roots to grow right away, giving them a healthy start. Though lavender is incredibly heat tolerant once established, it, like many other perennials, does better in cooler temperatures until its roots are established.

Where should I plant lavender in my garden?

Lavender prefers full sun and well drained, fertile soil. Trim plants back hard in spring, just as new growth starts – but never prune back into the woody part of the stems. This will give a rush of even growth for the first leaves and bloom.

Can lavender grow in pots?

Any lavender variety will grow in a container, but some are better suited than others. Dwarf Blue, Munstead, Hidcote, Sweet, Sharon Roberts, and Lavender Lady produce flowers fast and stay a manageable size in pots. – Cut lavender stems when the lowest blossom opens.

Does lavender spread quickly?

They are relatively easy to grow, as you can just sow the seeds and have an extensive variety of flowers and plants available in different sizes. Lavender, if you didn’t know, is a fast grower and is going to spread very quickly.