How to Grow Lavender

Beginner-Friendly

Lavandula angustifolia

A fragrant perennial Mediterranean sub-shrub with grey-green foliage and purple flower spikes. Excellent for pollinators, borders, and companion planting. Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Needs well-drained soil — will rot in wet clay.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
90–120 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
46 cm / 18"
Sun
8+ hours
Water
0.5" / 13 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Start from nursery transplants or cuttings — seed germination is slow and erratic. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Do not over-water or over-fertilize. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Perennial in zones 5–9. Mulch with gravel, not organic matter.

Varieties & Cultivars

5 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Classic French culinary lavender

(1)
Provence
90–120 days Open-Pollinated

strong fragrance; compact mounding habit; excellent for cooking and drying

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
5–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Cold-hardy English lavender to zone 4

(1)
Phenomenal
90–120 days Open-Pollinated

powdery mildew resistant; compact habit; excellent fragrance; AAS winner

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
4–10
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Compact English lavender

(1)
Munstead
90–120 days Open-Pollinated

very cold-hardy to zone 5; excellent for borders and edging; strong fragrance; classic cottage garden plant

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
5–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Dark violet-blue flowers

(1)
Hidcote
90–120 days Open-Pollinated

silvery foliage; one of the most popular English lavenders; excellent for hedging and dried flowers

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
5–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Vigorous hybrid lavender

(1)
Grosso (Lavandin)
90–120 days Hybrid

highest essential oil content; excellent for sachets and dried arrangements; more heat-tolerant than English types

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
5–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
3 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside lavender, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Thyme : Both low-growing Mediterranean herbs; complementary pollinator attraction
Pepper : Lavender attracts pollinators; aromatic foliage may deter aphids from peppers
Rosemary : Both Mediterranean plants with similar drainage and sun needs; attract pollinators together
Strawberry : Lavender attracts pollinators and repels slugs near strawberry beds
Sage : Sage and lavender share growing conditions and both deter garden pests
Eggplant : Lavender repels whiteflies and attracts pollinators for eggplant fruit set
Tomato : Lavender attracts pollinators and repels whiteflies near tomatoes

Keep Apart

Mint : Mint's aggressive spreading and moisture needs conflict with lavender's dry preferences

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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