Fall is Prime Time for Planting Lavender in Georgia!

Georgia Fields
Jul 29
2 min read

Dreaming of a beautiful lavender patch in your Zone 8 Georgia garden? Fall planting is your secret weapon for success, helping your lavender thrive despite our hot, humid summers.

Why Fall Works Wonders for Georgia Lavender

Milder Temps: Cooler fall weather is less stressful for young plants, allowing them to focus on root growth.
Stronger Roots: Several months of mild conditions let plants establish a robust root system before summer's heat.
Natural Help: Fall often brings gentler, more consistent rainfall, aiding establishment (though drainage is still key!).

Your Fall Lavender Planting Plan

Timing: Aim for early fall, typically September to October. This gives plants ample time to get established before any hard freezes.
Choose Wisely: Opt for heat- and humidity-tolerant varieties like Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), French Lavender (Lavandula dentata), or specific English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) cultivars like 'Phenomenal®', or Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) like 'Bridget Chloe'.
Seed vs. Plant:
- Seeds: Requires cold stratification (refrigerating for 3-6 weeks) before indoor sowing, then transplanting seedlings.
- Starter Plants: Often the easiest and most reliable option for fall planting.

The Golden Rule: Excellent Drainage!

This is paramount in Georgia's climate. Lavender hates wet feet.

Full Sun: Choose a spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
Amend Soil Heavily: Mix in lots of coarse sand, grit, or small gravel to your soil. Avoid too much compost or peat moss.
Raised Beds/Mounds: Planting in a raised bed or on a slight mound ensures superior drainage.
Good Airflow: Space plants generously for proper air circulation.
Careful Mulch: If using mulch, opt for light-colored gravel and keep it away from the plant's base.

Planting & Initial Care

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, planting the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the soil.
Water thoroughly once after planting, then water sparingly. Fall-planted lavender needs less moisture.

By focusing on fall planting and ensuring superb drainage, you'll set your lavender up for a beautiful and fragrant future in your Georgia garden!