Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in California

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

The Short Answer

California is lavender paradise — the state's Mediterranean climate is essentially the crop's native habitat. Lavender grows effortlessly in most of California, and the state's lavender farms have become tourist destinations rivaling those in Provence.

California Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern California Mountains 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b May 1 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 15
Central Valley 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 1 Nov 15 - Dec 5
Southern California Coast 10a, 10b, 11a Jan 1 - Feb 1 Dec 10 - Jan 1
Bay Area 9b, 10a Jan 20 - Feb 15 Nov 25 - Dec 15

Lavender Planting Schedule for California

Northern California Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 15

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

Central Valley (Zones 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 1 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

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

Southern California Coast (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Jan 1 - Feb 1 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 1

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

Bay Area (Zones 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 20 - Feb 15 · Average first frost: Nov 25 - Dec 15

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

Growing Lavender in California

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant from spring through fall in most regions. California's well-drained soils and dry summers are naturally ideal. Coastal areas: any lavender type thrives. Central Valley: provide some afternoon shade in extreme heat. Southern California: excellent conditions statewide. Mountain: choose English varieties for cold hardiness. Minimal water once established — lavender is drought-tolerant and perfect for California's water-conscious gardening culture.

Recommended Varieties for California

The full range thrives in California. English (Hidcote, Munstead) for cold-hardy areas. French (Lavandula dentata) for coastal areas. Spanish (L. stoechas) for southern California. Grosso and Provence for commercial-style plantings.

Common Challenges in California

Overwatering is the #1 killer of lavender in California — it's more common than any pest. Root rot in heavy soils. Otherwise nearly trouble-free.

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 in California with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern California Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 25, while Bay Area sees frost end around Jan 20 - Feb 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 California Planting Calendar All plants for California Lavender in Alabama Alabama planting dates Lavender in Alaska Alaska 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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