Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Washington

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

The Short Answer

Western Washington's Sequim area on the Olympic Peninsula rain shadow has become one of America's premier lavender-growing regions — Sequim Lavender Festival is one of the largest in the country. The rain shadow's dry summers and well-drained soils create conditions that rival Provence. Eastern Washington's hot, dry climate also grows lavender well.

Washington Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20

Lavender Planting Schedule for Washington

Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)

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

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

Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)

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

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

Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)

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

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

Central Washington (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

Growing Lavender in Washington

State-Specific Growing Tips

Western WA: transplant from April. The Puget Sound lowlands can grow lavender if drainage is excellent — but the rain shadow areas (Sequim, San Juan Islands) are clearly superior. Acidic western WA soils may need lime — lavender prefers pH 7.0+. Eastern WA: transplant from April. Hot, dry conditions are naturally ideal. WSU Extension provides lavender production guides reflecting the state's growing commercial industry.

Recommended Varieties for Washington

Western WA: Grosso, Hidcote, Phenomenal. The Sequim area grows the full range including French and Spanish types (Zone 8a). Eastern WA: English and hybrid types. WSU has conducted lavender variety trials.

Common Challenges in Washington

Western WA: wet winters cause root rot outside the rain shadow — excellent drainage is mandatory. Acidic soils need lime. Eastern WA: minimal issues in the dry climate.

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 Washington with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Central Washington sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 10. 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 Washington Planting Calendar All plants for Washington 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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