If you are looking for a plant to liven up your garden with its colors and scents, you must consider lavender! This herb produces a pleasant perfume, attracts plenty of bees to any location, and contributes to adding a touch of color to your yard. You may be wondering, ‘when to plant lavender in Oregon?’
Quick Answer
We recommend you plant your lavender in Oregon between the end of March and early May.
But to get the most out of this plant, you should know the right time of the year to plant it outdoors. And that might change depending on your region, the USDA hardiness zone, and your soil conditions.
If you want to learn when to plant lavender in Oregon, look no further: in this essential guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about growing this herb in your region.
When to Plant Lavender in Oregon
Let’s go straight to the point of the question. Lavender isn’t able to survive temperatures below 40F. So, depending on where in Oregon you live, you might have to adjust the time for planting your herb outside to avoid exposing your plants to extreme temperatures and causing their premature death.
Similarly, planting your lavender too late might result in your plant not producing a harvest before the first fall frost.
Usually, you can be safe and plant your lavender when there hasn’t been a frost for at least two weeks. Don’t forget to check your local climate: avoid relying too much on predictions. After all, the weather might suddenly change from one year to the next.
We recommend you plant your lavender in Oregon between the end of March and early May.
Of course, the final decision will depend on your area. If you live in the northern parts of Oregon, you may be better off by starting your seeds indoors.
Don’t forget that it can take two to three weeks for seedlings to come out. Don’t transplant your herb before that.
But how can you successfully grow lavender in Oregon? Jump to the following sections to learn all about it!
How to Grow Lavender in Oregon
The first thing you must do is choose a sunny location for your herbs. Lavender needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow. Don’t forget to ensure your soil is fertile and well-draining. Make the necessary amendments if that isn’t the case.
Add a layer of manure or compost to increase drainage and improve the nutrient content. This is particularly important if you have clay soil.
Also, consider adding mulch around your plants: besides increasing water retention, it will also contribute to regulating the temperature in the soil and protect your plants from thermal shock. Mulch can also aid with weed control, so avoid skipping this step.
While lavender can be tolerant to drought, you may have to increase your watering frequency during the hottest months of summer. Don’t forget that if you live in the Southern parts of Oregon, where summers can get extremely hot.
If you are planting more than one lavender, don’t forget to provide them with adequate space: you should place them at least three to four feet apart. Doing so will ensure proper air circulation.
Feed your herbs with an adequate fertilizer to enhance growth. Use a high-quality and slow-release product: it might be more expensive than other options, but it will give you the best results.
Choose products that are lower in nitrogen to boost flower production at the expense of foliage. Don’t forget to water your plants after the application.
What Varieties of Lavender Do Best in Oregon?
Even if you may have never thought about it, the truth is that there are several varieties of lavender. To make the most out of these herbs, you should add those that perform well in your hardiness zone.
If you are growing your lavender in Oregon, read on! In this section, you’ll find the best varieties of lavender to grow in Oregon.
Arguably the best species is the English lavender, which many gardeners praise for its aroma and the number of uses it serves. This plant is usually shorter and more compact than other varieties, but it adapts to various soil conditions. It is also one of the most tolerant to drought and extreme temperatures.
Another variety you should consider for your garden is the Lavandin. This plant is a hybrid and produces gorgeous long-stemmed flowers with thick spikes. Under the ideal conditions, it doesn’t require much attention from your side.
Another great variety to grow in Oregon is the Spanish Lavender. It is slightly more showy than the English species that it is one of the most common landscape plants.
When to Plant Lavender in Oregon: Final thoughts
Wait until the threat of frost has passed to plant lavendar and choose one of the above varieties that will thrive in Oregon.
Of course, those are just some options. Don’t be afraid to investigate more on the subject and find other varieties to grow in your garden!
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