Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Oregon

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

The Short Answer

In Oregon, plant lavender based on your regional frost dates. Willamette Valley has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Southern Oregon Coast sees frost end around Mar 5 - Mar 25. Dramatic east-west climate divide. Wet, mild winters west of Cascades. Dry, cold winters east. Year-round gardening...

Oregon Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Willamette Valley 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 15 - Nov 10
Portland Metro 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Central/Eastern Oregon 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b May 10 - Jun 1 Sep 10 - Oct 1
Southern Oregon Coast 8b, 9a, 9b Mar 5 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 25

Lavender Planting Schedule for Oregon

Willamette Valley (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 10

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

Portland Metro (Zones 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

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

Central/Eastern Oregon (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: May 10 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Oct 1

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

Southern Oregon Coast (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Mar 5 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 25

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

Growing Lavender in Oregon

Lavender in Oregon'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 Oregon

Rich volcanic soils in Willamette Valley. Dry, alkaline soils east of Cascades. Acidic forest soils on coast. Generally excellent for gardening in valleys.

Oregon Climate & Growing Season

Dramatic east-west climate divide. Wet, mild winters west of Cascades. Dry, cold winters east. Year-round gardening possible in mild western valleys.

Growing season length varies across Oregon: Willamette Valley (8a, 8b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Southern Oregon Coast (8b, 9a, 9b) sees frost end around Mar 5 - Mar 25. 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 Oregon, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Willamette Valley gardeners should plan around a Mar 25 - Apr 15 last frost, while those in Southern Oregon Coast 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 Oregon Planting Calendar All plants for Oregon 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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