Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Pennsylvania

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

The Short Answer

Southeastern Pennsylvania's Zone 7a conditions and well-drained soils support lavender well, and the state's growing lavender farm industry demonstrates commercial viability. Northern Pennsylvania's colder winters limit variety selection to the hardiest English types.

Pennsylvania Frost Dates

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

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

Lavender Planting Schedule for Pennsylvania

Northern Pennsylvania (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

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

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

Central Pennsylvania (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Philadelphia Region (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Growing Lavender in Pennsylvania

State-Specific Growing Tips

Transplant from mid-May. Southeastern PA's limestone-derived soils are naturally well-drained and slightly alkaline — close to ideal for lavender. Central PA's valley soils also work well. Northern PA and the Poconos: choose the hardiest varieties and provide winter protection. Full sun, south-facing slope. Gravel mulch rather than organic. Prune in spring.

Recommended Varieties for Pennsylvania

Southeast and central PA: Hidcote, Munstead, Phenomenal, Grosso. Northern PA: Hidcote and Munstead only (hardiest). Penn State Extension provides herb growing guides that include lavender.

Common Challenges in Pennsylvania

Winter kill in Zone 5b areas. Clay soil rot — ensure drainage. Humidity during summer can promote disease. The crop is more reliable in southeastern PA than in the northern tier.

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 Pennsylvania with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Pennsylvania gardeners work with a last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Philadelphia Region sees frost end around Apr 5 - Apr 20. 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 Pennsylvania Planting Calendar All plants for Pennsylvania 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates