Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Florida

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

The Short Answer

Traditional lavender struggles in Florida — the state's humidity, heavy rainfall, and warm winters are the opposite of what lavender wants. However, Phenomenal lavender has changed the equation, and Florida gardeners in the northern part of the state are having increasing success.

Florida Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Lavender Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

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

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

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

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

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

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

Growing Lavender in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant Phenomenal lavender only — no other variety handles Florida conditions. North Florida (Zones 8a-9a) is the limit for lavender. Central and south Florida: not recommended. Raised beds with heavy gravel amendment for drainage. Full sun. Minimal irrigation. Winter is actually the best growth period in north Florida — the cooler, drier conditions favor lavender.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Phenomenal is the only realistic choice for Florida. It was specifically bred for heat and humidity tolerance. Even Phenomenal may struggle in central and south Florida.

Common Challenges in Florida

Humidity promotes root rot and foliar disease. Heavy summer rain waterloqs roots. Florida's warm winters may not provide the dormancy period lavender prefers. The crop is marginal in Florida — manage expectations.

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 Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. 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 Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida 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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