A Canadian Guide to Growing Lavender in Cold Climates

Lavender Tips

A Canadian Guide to Growing Lavender in Cold Climates

Although Canada may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about growing lavender, it actually thrives unexpectedly well here. There are several lavender farms across the nation which challenge the assumption that lavender can’t grow in Canada. In many cities across the country, the climate gets hot and dry during the summer. This is especially true where we are located in the Okanagan. The Okanagan has often been likened to the Mediterranean with its dry heat and numerous vineyards. However, our record-settingly hot summers don’t come without a Canadian winter. So, how is it that our lavender plants do so well? In this article, we will go over a true Canadian guide to growing lavender in cold weather. Follow along below to discover some farm secrets that we’ve learned along the way!

All About Growing Lavender in the Cold

Cold weather is finally rearing its head in the Okanagan. As such, we thought it would be fitting to discuss growing lavender in cold climates since we usually get questions about how our plants survive lows of -20 Celsius. 

Lavender is originally native to the warm Mediterranean climate and typically thrives in hardiness zones 7-9. However, certain varieties can handle much colder temperatures, surviving as low as zone 4 or even zone 3 with the proper attention.

The key to growing lavender in colder regions is understanding its basic needs—light, drainage, and air circulation. Lavender loves sunlight and requires at least six hours of full sunlight each day. It’s also sensitive to moisture, so well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Root rot is the leading problem that homeowners will face when growing lavender in their gardens. So, don’t be afraid to skip the water now and then. Your lavender is probably one of the only plants in the garden that will thrive under watering restrictions. 

Choosing the right lavender variety for your specific climate is crucial. Some of the hardier varieties that do well in cold climates include ‘Munstead,’ ‘Hidcote Blue,’ and ‘Phenomenal.’ However, before you purchase anything, it’s a good idea to research which varieties are suited for your local hardiness zone. Avoid relying on big-box stores for lavender suited to your area, as they may not carry the best options for your climate. For example, we often go to Home Depot and see Spanish lavender being sold by the masses. However, no matter how hard we’ve tried, we’ve never been able to get this variety to grow in our climate—it’s just too cold! Instead, check with local nurseries, which often stock varieties that are more likely to thrive in your zone.

Tried and True Planting Strategies 

When planting lavender in colder climates, timing and technique can play an important role in the survival of your plants over the winter. The first thing to remember is to plant your lavender only after the last frost in spring. This is because young lavender plants are particularly vulnerable to frost and early planting in cold soil can damage their roots and stunt their growth. Once established, however, lavender becomes more resilient.

As we touched on above, watering is also a big part of successful lavender growth. While young plants need more frequent watering, overwatering can lead to root rot. Ensure the soil is dry before you water again. As the lavender matures, it will require less water and become more drought-tolerant. Mulching can also be beneficial in colder climates, but instead of traditional organic mulches that retain moisture, choose well-draining materials like pea gravel. This helps protect the plant’s roots from freezing while preventing water buildup.

Another strategy that we use to keep our lavender healthy over the winter is pruning. In the fall (or after the last harvest), we prune our plants to help establish a strong root ball and woody base. This prepares the plant for the colder months by encouraging root growth, which is essential for weathering the winter. If you live in an area with little reliable snow cover, you might consider covering the plant base with burlap, to shield it from the elements.

Planting lavender in containers is a great option for regions with harsher winters (zones 3 and below). Pots can be moved indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures. However, it’s important to note that your lavender won’t reach its full size when planted in a container. 

Contact us About Growing Lavender!

Over the years, we’ve discovered that growing lavender isn’t as hard as you might think. With the right care and variety, lavender will grow just about anywhere! As always, if you have any questions about our lavender farm in Kelowna, feel free to contact us. Also, keep an eye on our website and social media for more information about our latest culinary lavender products. If you have any inquiries about Lavender Jack’s, don’t hesitate to reach out.