Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Arkansas

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

The Short Answer

In Arkansas, plant lavender based on your regional frost dates. Northern Arkansas has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables.

Arkansas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arkansas 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Arkansas 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Southern Arkansas 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Lavender Planting Schedule for Arkansas

Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Central Arkansas (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

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

Southern Arkansas (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

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

Growing Lavender in Arkansas

Lavender in Arkansas's Climate

Lavender can be excellent in warm climates where humidity is manageable. The alkaline Hill Country soils of Texas mirror lavender's Mediterranean homeland. East of the Mississippi, humidity promotes root rot — Phenomenal is the best variety for humid southeastern conditions. Drainage is the single most important factor.

Soil Considerations for Arkansas

Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage.

Arkansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables.

Growing season length varies across Arkansas: Northern Arkansas (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas (7b, 8a) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. 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 Arkansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arkansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Arkansas 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 Arkansas Planting Calendar All plants for Arkansas Lavender in Alabama Alabama planting dates Lavender in Alaska Alaska planting dates Lavender in Arizona Arizona 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates