Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Utah

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

The Short Answer

In Utah, plant lavender based on your regional frost dates. Wasatch Front (SLC) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 10, while Southern Utah sees frost end around Apr 10 - May 1. Arid climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings. Irrigation essential everywhere.

Utah Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Wasatch Front (SLC) 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20
Mountain Regions 4a, 4b, 5a May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Utah 6b, 7a, 7b Apr 10 - May 1 Oct 10 - Nov 1

Lavender Planting Schedule for Utah

Wasatch Front (SLC) (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20

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

Mountain Regions (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15

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

Southern Utah (Zones 6b, 7a, 7b)

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

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

Growing Lavender in Utah

Lavender in Utah'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 Utah

Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Saline soils in some areas. Heavy amendment with compost and sulfur needed.

Utah Climate & Growing Season

Arid climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings. Irrigation essential everywhere.

Growing season length varies across Utah: Wasatch Front (SLC) (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 10, while Southern Utah (6b, 7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - May 1. 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 Utah, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Wasatch Front (SLC) gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 10 last frost, while those in Southern Utah 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 Utah Planting Calendar All plants for Utah 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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