Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Tennessee

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

The Short Answer

In Tennessee, plant lavender based on your regional frost dates. East Tennessee has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 10. Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety of crops.

Tennessee Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
East Tennessee 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Lavender Planting Schedule for Tennessee

East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

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

Growing Lavender in Tennessee

Lavender in Tennessee'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 Tennessee

Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east.

Tennessee Climate & Growing Season

Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety of crops.

Growing season length varies across Tennessee: East Tennessee (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 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 Tennessee, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. East Tennessee gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 25 last frost, while those in West Tennessee 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 Tennessee Planting Calendar All plants for Tennessee 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