Provence

Lavender

Zone 5a Save Garden

🌱 365d to harvest Shrub

Aromas first—Provence Lavender rises with a calm, silvery perfume that feels like sun-warmed linen. Its slender, upright flower s…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 27th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 1st
Harvest Begins	May 1st
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	365
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	10

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Thymus Minus Thyme

Pink Chintz Creeping Thyme Thyme

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lavandula × intermedia (Provence), and how can I treat it?

Lavender (Lavandula × intermedia) is prone to root rot when soils stay wet, often first showing as wilting, gray-brown stems, and a rapid decline despite adequate sun. Improve drainage immediately (use a gritty mix and avoid standing water), cut back any dead stems, and water only after the soil surface dries; for heavy rot, remove affected plants to protect the rest of your lavender bed. Keep airflow high and don’t over-fertilize, since overly lush growth increases disease pressure.

How often should I water Provence lavender during the main growing phase?

During active growth, water deeply only when the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil has dried out, then let it dry again before the next watering. Provence lavender is drought-tolerant once established, so frequent “light” watering keeps roots too wet and raises root-rot risk. If you’re in containers, check more often—drying can be faster, but the goal is still the same: dry surface first, then soak, then dry.

How do I know when Provence lavender is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the flower spikes are mostly budded and just beginning to open—aim for about 30–60% of florets showing color, not fully open blooms. If you wait until all flowers are open, the stems lose fragrance sooner and the best quality for drying can drop. For best regrowth, cut the spikes with a small portion of green stem, leaving healthy foliage below (don’t cut into old woody parts).

Aromas first—Provence Lavender rises with a calm, silvery perfume that feels like sun-warmed linen. Its slender, upright flower spikes carry a refined, deep violet tone and a crisp, aromatic texture that holds beautifully when dried, making it a standout for fragrant bundles and sachets. Grow Provence for a long season of elegant blooms that lend unmistakable character to the garden and a lingering, floral-camphor essence to your home’s atmosphere.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 50°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start lavender in a lightly warm, very well-drained mix; transplant only when nighttime temperatures are reliably mild and use minimal nitrogen to keep plants compact and aromatic.