Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Minnesota

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

The Short Answer

In Minnesota, plant lavender based on your regional frost dates. Northern Minnesota has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Minnesota sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. Long, cold winters. Warm summers. Short but productive growing season with long summer days. Hardy varieties essential.

Minnesota Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Minnesota 3a, 3b May 15 - Jun 1 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Minnesota 3b, 4a May 5 - May 20 Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Minnesota 4a, 4b Apr 25 - May 10 Sep 25 - Oct 10

Lavender Planting Schedule for Minnesota

Northern Minnesota (Zones 3a, 3b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20

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

Central Minnesota (Zones 3b, 4a)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1

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

Southern Minnesota (Zones 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

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

Growing Lavender in Minnesota

Lavender in Minnesota'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 Minnesota

Rich prairie soils in south and west. Rocky and thin soils in north. Generally excellent for gardening in southern half.

Minnesota Climate & Growing Season

Long, cold winters. Warm summers. Short but productive growing season with long summer days. Hardy varieties essential.

Growing season length varies across Minnesota: Northern Minnesota (3a, 3b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Minnesota (4a, 4b) sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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 Minnesota, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Minnesota gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southern Minnesota 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 Minnesota Planting Calendar All plants for Minnesota 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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