Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Missouri

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

The Short Answer

In Missouri, plant lavender based on your regional frost dates. Northern Missouri has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Missouri sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state.

Missouri Frost Dates

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

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

Lavender Planting Schedule for Missouri

Northern Missouri (Zones 5b, 6a)

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

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

Central Missouri (Zones 6a, 6b)

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

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

Southern Missouri (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Growing Lavender in Missouri

Lavender in Missouri's Climate

Your climate supports lavender well with proper drainage. English and hybrid lavender (Phenomenal, Grosso) thrive in the neutral-to-alkaline soils common in limestone regions. The biggest mistake is overwatering — lavender is Mediterranean and prefers dry feet. Prune in spring after new growth appears, never into old wood.

Soil Considerations for Missouri

Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile.

Missouri Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state.

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