Lavender, a beloved perennial with fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage, is highly desirable for its aromatic appeal and uses, ranging from culinary to medicinal. Successfully cultivating this herb in Maryland requires understanding the state’s distinct climate, which spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 7b. These zones present challenges like fluctuating winter temperatures and high summer humidity. Planting must be carefully timed to ensure the plant can establish a robust root system.
Determining the Best Time to Plant
The central question for Maryland gardeners is whether to plant lavender in the spring or the fall. Both seasons offer distinct advantages for establishment, and the choice often depends on local conditions.
The safest period for spring planting begins after the last expected hard frost, typically around the second week of May in most of Maryland. Waiting until the danger of frost has fully passed ensures the young, tender plants are not damaged by late-season cold snaps. Planting in late spring allows the lavender to establish its roots before the stress of peak summer heat arrives.
Planting in early fall presents a second, often preferable, window for many experienced growers. This period generally runs from late August through mid-September, when daytime temperatures have moderated. The soil remains warm enough to encourage root growth, and the plant avoids the intense heat and humidity of mid-summer. Fall planting gives the plant two to three months to anchor itself before the ground freezes, which leads to a stronger plant the following spring.
Selecting Lavender Varieties Suitable for Maryland
Choosing the correct variety is a substantial factor in lavender success in the Mid-Atlantic’s challenging environment. The most reliable options are cultivars of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which possess the necessary cold tolerance for Maryland winters. Varieties like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ can survive down to Zone 5, making them excellent choices for the state’s colder areas and culinary use.
The region’s high summer humidity is often a greater threat than the winter cold, making hybrid varieties particularly valuable. A popular choice is the Lavandin hybrid ‘Phenomenal’, noted for its ability to withstand both cold temperatures and humid conditions. French (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish (Lavandula stoechas) lavenders are significantly less cold-tolerant. These varieties are generally treated as annuals in most of Maryland or require substantial winter protection, as they struggle with cold and moisture.
Essential Steps for Successful Planting
Once the timing and variety are determined, successful planting hinges on providing the herb with its specific environmental needs. Lavender requires a location that receives full sun, meaning a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The quality of the soil is paramount, as the plant will quickly fail in heavy, wet conditions due to root rot.
The planting site must offer exceptional drainage, which may require amending the soil with grit, coarse sand, or pea gravel to mimic its native dry habitat. Lavender also thrives in slightly alkaline soil, ideally with a pH range between 6.7 and 7.3.
Maryland soils tend to be naturally more acidic, so gardeners often need to incorporate a soil amendment like lime to raise the pH level. When placing the plant, avoid burying the crown too deeply. The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent moisture accumulation at the base.