Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant herb that’s popular in gardens and used to make soaps, lotions, and essential oils. But when is lavender season?
If you’re planning a trip to see fields of lavender in full bloom, it helps to know when to go. The best time to visit depends on several factors, including the type of lavender, where it’s located, and even how it’s been pruned.
Read on to learn more about when is lavender season in different regions, and what affects the lavender blooming schedule.
When does lavender usually bloom?
If you’re planning a trip to see lavender fields, you’ll want to know when lavender plants usually bloom.
Most types of lavender bloom during the summer growing season. However, the exact time depends on the species and climate. Blooms might appear early in the summer, or they might wait until late in the season. Some lavender varieties are “reblooming,” meaning that they flower continuously all summer long.
But if you want a general rule of thumb, most regions report that lavender reaches its peak bloom in mid-summer — around mid-July.
Lavender varieties and their bloom times
The best time to visit a lavender field will depend on the type of lavender planted there. Here are some of the most common varieties and when they typically bloom:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is a favorite for its strong fragrance and classic look. Popular cultivars include ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’.
Most English lavender varieties start blooming in June or July (early to mid-season). The blooms usually last for about three to four weeks.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Spanish lavender, also known as Butterfly lavender, has showy flowers that look like butterfly wings.
In warmer climates, Spanish lavender can start blooming as early as May. It usually has a more generous bloom in June, followed by a smaller flush of flowers in August or early autumn.
Other Lavender Varieties
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is hardy only in zones 8 and 9. In cooler climates, it’s often grown as an annual.
Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia) blooms continuously from late spring to late summer in zones 6 through 8.
FACTORS AFFECTING LAVENDER BLOOMING
While generally predictable, the exact timing of the lavender bloom can be affected by several factors.
Climate and Location
Climate and location play a huge role in when your lavender will bloom. Different types of lavender thrive in different hardiness zones, so be sure to plant the right variety for your specific growing zone to encourage abundant blooms.
Weather conditions also play a role. Mild winters can lead to earlier blooms, while a particularly harsh winter might delay the flowering season.
Plant Age and Maturity
Like any plant, lavender needs time to mature before it can produce a substantial harvest. Some varieties can take up to three years before they bloom reliably.
Proper care, especially during the early years, is essential for healthy growth and bloom production. This includes proper pruning, watering, and ensuring the soil conditions are just right for your lavender plants.
Maximizing lavender blooms by pruning
Want to fill your home with bunches of lavender? Pruning is key to a beautiful harvest. If you prune your lavender properly, you’ll get more blooms, and you’ll also prolong the life of the plant.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Hard prune every year: At the end of the growing season, cut back as much as one-third of the plant. You can also do this in the spring, after you see new growth at the base.
- Deadhead spent blooms: Cut back the flowers after they fade. Remove the blooms down to the first set of leaves to encourage fuller, repeat blooms.
With these pruning tips, you’ll be enjoying armfuls of lavender in no time!
Troubleshooting lavender blooming issues
So you’ve planted lavender, you’re giving it plenty of sun, and you’re waiting for those gorgeous blooms…and waiting… and waiting. What’s going on?
Here are some common reasons why your lavender might not be blooming:
- You’ve planted the wrong variety.
- Your plant isn’t old enough (it needs to be at least two years old).
- You’re pruning it wrong.
- The soil doesn’t drain well, or you’re over-fertilizing.
If your lavender isn’t blooming, double-check that you’ve planted the right variety, that your plant is old enough, and that you’re pruning it correctly. Cut away any dead growth. Stop fertilizing it and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is the lavender plant in?
The “month” of lavender, meaning when it’s at its peak beauty and fragrance, varies depending on the region and specific variety. Generally, lavender is in its prime blooming period from late spring to mid-summer.
What time of year do you buy lavender?
The best time to buy lavender plants depends on your local climate. For most regions, spring is ideal for planting lavender, giving it the entire growing season to establish itself. However, you can also purchase lavender in the fall in milder climates.
What is the best month for lavender?
The “best” month for lavender is subjective and depends on what you’re looking for. For peak bloom and the strongest fragrance, June and July are often considered the best months. If you’re looking to harvest lavender for crafts or essential oils, aim for when the flowers are just starting to open.
What month does lavender come back?
Lavender typically emerges from dormancy and begins to show new growth in the spring. Depending on the climate, you’ll usually see new shoots and leaves appearing sometime between March and May. Be patient, as lavender can be slow to wake up after winter.
To Conclude
Lavender bloom times vary quite a bit depending on the type of lavender, the climate it’s growing in, and the kind of care it’s getting. To find out exactly when the lavender will bloom in your area, be sure to check with your local lavender farms or gardens. They’ll have the most up-to-date information as the season progresses.