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You can grow lavender in Minnesota if you choose the right varieties and give them the right conditions.
It’s not the easiest herb to grow here, but it’s absolutely possible with a little planning.
The key is understanding that lavender hates wet feet and loves sun, so Minnesota’s cold winters and heavy clay soil present some challenges.
But don’t worry, because this guide will walk you through exactly how to grow lavender in Minnesota successfully.
We’ll cover the best varieties for our climate, how to plant them, and how to keep them alive through winter.
Why Growing Lavender in Minnesota Takes Extra Care
Growing lavender in Minnesota is different from growing it in places like Provence or even California.
Our growing season is shorter, our winters are colder, and our soil often holds too much moisture.
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, where it enjoys hot, dry summers and mild, dry winters.
Minnesota, on the other hand, has humid summers and freezing, wet winters.
That combination can be tough on lavender, especially English lavender, which is the most fragrant but also the least cold-hardy.
The good news is that some lavender varieties are hardier than others, and with proper site selection and soil preparation, you can grow lavender in Minnesota without too much trouble.
The biggest killer of lavender in Minnesota isn’t the cold itself, it’s winter wetness.
When the ground stays wet and temperatures drop below freezing, the roots rot, and the plant dies.
So everything we do when growing lavender in Minnesota should focus on drainage and protecting the roots from excess moisture.
Best Lavender Varieties for Minnesota
Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to cold hardiness.
Here are the varieties that have the best chance of surviving a Minnesota winter.
1. Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
English lavender is the most cold-hardy species, with some varieties surviving down to USDA Zone 4.
‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are two of the toughest and most reliable choices for growing lavender in Minnesota.
They’re compact, fragrant, and bloom in early to mid-summer.
‘Hidcote’ is especially good because it’s smaller and more compact, which helps it handle wind and cold better.
2. Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin)
Lavandins are hybrids that are slightly less hardy than English lavender but still worth trying in southern Minnesota.
‘Phenomenal’ is a standout variety that’s known for its exceptional cold hardiness and resistance to root rot.
It was actually bred to handle tough winters, so if you’re serious about growing lavender in Minnesota, this is a great one to try.
3. Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender)
Spanish lavender is not cold-hardy at all and will not survive a Minnesota winter outdoors.
However, you can grow it in containers and bring it indoors for the winter if you really want that variety.
Just know that growing lavender in Minnesota with Spanish lavender means treating it as an annual or a potted plant.
How to Plant Lavender in Minnesota
Planting lavender in Minnesota correctly is crucial because the right start can mean the difference between life and death for your plant.
Here’s how to give your lavender the best chance.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Lavender needs at least six to eight hours of full sun every day.
Pick the sunniest spot in your yard, ideally on a south-facing slope or against a south-facing wall.
That wall will radiate heat and help protect the plant in winter.
Also, make sure the spot drains well and doesn’t collect water after rain or snowmelt.
2. Amend Your Soil for Drainage
Minnesota soil is often heavy clay, which is a death sentence for lavender.
You need to amend it with plenty of coarse sand, pea gravel, or small rocks to improve drainage.
A good mix is one part native soil, one part sand, and one part compost.
You can also plant lavender in a raised bed or on a mound to keep the roots out of standing water.
3. Plant at the Right Time
The best time to plant lavender in Minnesota is in late spring or early summer, after the last frost.
This gives the plant time to establish its roots before winter.
Don’t plant in late summer or fall, because the plant won’t have enough time to harden off before the cold hits.
4. Space Plants Properly
Good air circulation is key to preventing fungal diseases.
Space your lavender plants about 18 to 24 inches apart.
If you’re growing lavender in Minnesota in containers, make sure the pot is at least 12 inches wide and has plenty of drainage holes.
Winter Care for Lavender in Minnesota
Winter is the make-or-break season for growing lavender in Minnesota.
Here’s how to help your plants survive.
1. Don’t Cut Back in Fall
Leave the stems and foliage intact through winter.
They provide insulation and protect the crown of the plant from freezing temperatures.
Wait until early spring to prune, after the danger of hard frost has passed.
2. Mulch with Gravel or Evergreen Boughs
Don’t use heavy mulch like wood chips or straw, because that traps moisture.
Instead, use gravel or crushed rock around the base of the plant.
You can also lay evergreen boughs over the plants after the ground freezes to block wind and reduce temperature fluctuations.
3. Avoid Winter Watering
Lavender is drought-tolerant and doesn’t need extra water in winter.
In fact, wet soil in winter is the number one killer of lavender in Minnesota.
Make sure your plant is in a spot where snowmelt drains away quickly.
So, Can You Grow Lavender in Minnesota?
Yes, you can grow lavender in Minnesota if you choose cold-hardy varieties, plant them in well-drained soil, and protect them from winter wetness.
It takes a bit more effort than growing lavender in milder climates, but the reward of fresh lavender blooms in your garden is worth it.
Stick with English lavender or lavandin varieties like ‘Munstead,’ ‘Hidcote,’ or ‘Phenomenal.’
Give them full sun, gritty soil, and a little winter protection, and you’ll be growing lavender in Minnesota like a pro.