Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Alaska

Fragrant, drought-tolerant, and beloved by pollinators. Once established, lavender rewards you for years.

The Short Answer

In Alaska, plant lavender based on your regional frost dates. Interior Alaska has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southeast Alaska sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 5. Extreme daylight variation. Summer days of 18-24 hours of sunlight accelerate growth. Very short growing season in...

Alaska Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Alaska you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Interior Alaska 1a, 2a, 2b May 15 - Jun 1 Aug 20 - Sep 10
Southcentral Alaska 3b, 4a, 4b May 1 - May 20 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Southeast Alaska 5a, 5b, 6a Apr 15 - May 5 Sep 25 - Oct 15

Lavender Planting Schedule for Alaska

Interior Alaska (Zones 1a, 2a, 2b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Aug 20 - Sep 10

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Southcentral Alaska (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Southeast Alaska (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Growing Lavender in Alaska

Lavender in Alaska's Climate

Lavender is challenging in cold climates — wet clay soil and cold winters are its enemies. English lavender (Hidcote, Munstead) is hardiest to zone 5. The key is drainage — raised beds with gravel and sand amendment are mandatory. Sandy soils of western Michigan and similar areas have a natural advantage. Mulch with pea gravel, not organic mulch, to prevent crown rot.

Soil Considerations for Alaska

Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common.

Alaska Climate & Growing Season

Extreme daylight variation. Summer days of 18-24 hours of sunlight accelerate growth. Very short growing season in interior.

Growing season length varies across Alaska: Interior Alaska (1a, 2a, 2b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southeast Alaska (5a, 5b, 6a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 5. This difference matters for lavender — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Needs excellent drainage — clay soil is lavender's enemy. Don't prune into old wood. English varieties (Lavandula angustifolia) are hardiest.

Companion Planting

Plant lavender alongside these companions for better growth:

Roses Thyme Sage

The Bottom Line

Lavender can be grown successfully across Alaska, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Interior Alaska gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southeast Alaska can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Lavender Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Alaska Planting Calendar All plants for Alaska Lavender in Alabama Alabama planting dates Lavender in Arizona Arizona planting dates Lavender in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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