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Lavender grows well in Minnesota, but with a few important caveats that every gardener in the North Star State should know before planting.
If you’ve been wondering whether lavender can thrive in Minnesota’s tough climate, the short answer is yes, it can, as long as you choose the right variety and give it the right conditions.
Minnesota’s cold winters and short growing seasons present challenges, but lavender is tougher than many people think.
In this post, we’ll explore why lavender grows well in Minnesota, which varieties perform best, and how to care for it so it survives those brutal winters.
Let’s dig in.
Why Lavender Grows Well in Minnesota
Lavender grows well in Minnesota because the state offers plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil in many areas, which are two things this Mediterranean herb absolutely loves.
Here’s why lavender can succeed in Minnesota:
1. Minnesota Gets Plenty of Sun
Lavender is a sun-loving plant that needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day.
Minnesota summers offer long daylight hours, especially in June and July, which gives lavender the light it craves.
This abundant sunshine helps lavender grow well in Minnesota by encouraging strong growth and abundant blooms.
2. Well-Drained Soil Is Achievable
Lavender hates soggy roots, and that’s actually a good thing for Minnesota gardeners because it means you can amend your soil to suit it.
Mixing sand or gravel into your planting bed improves drainage, which helps lavender grow well in Minnesota even in areas with heavier clay soil.
Raised beds are another great option for ensuring lavender roots never sit in water.
3. Cooler Temperatures Suit Some Varieties
While lavender loves heat, certain cold-hardy varieties can handle Minnesota’s cooler temperatures just fine.
English lavender, in particular, is more tolerant of cold than its French and Spanish cousins.
So if you’re asking yourself whether lavender grows well in Minnesota, choosing a cold-hardy variety is half the battle won.
Best Lavender Varieties for Minnesota Gardens
Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to surviving Minnesota winters.
Here are the varieties that give you the best chance of success:
1. ‘Hidcote’ English Lavender
This is one of the most cold-hardy lavender varieties you can grow, surviving down to USDA Zone 5.
‘Hidcote’ produces deep purple flowers and has a compact growth habit, making it perfect for borders and containers.
If you want lavender to grow well in Minnesota, ‘Hidcote’ is a top pick.
2. ‘Munstead’ English Lavender
Another reliable choice for Minnesota gardeners is ‘Munstead,’ which is also hardy to Zone 5.
It blooms earlier than many other varieties, which is helpful in Minnesota’s shorter growing season.
This variety proves lavender can grow well in Minnesota when given proper winter protection.
3. ‘Grosso’ Lavandin
While slightly less cold-hardy, ‘Grosso’ can survive in Zone 5 with heavy mulch and protection.
It’s prized for its strong fragrance and long stems, making it excellent for cutting and drying.
With a little extra care, lavender will grow well in Minnesota even with this variety.
How to Help Lavender Grow Well in Minnesota
Getting lavender to thrive in Minnesota takes some effort, but these tips will make a big difference:
1. Plant in Spring After Frost
Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting lavender outdoors in Minnesota.
This gives the plant time to establish roots before winter arrives.
Planting too early can stunt growth and make it harder for lavender to grow well in Minnesota.
2. Improve Soil Drainage
Amend your soil with coarse sand, pea gravel, or organic compost to improve drainage.
Lavender roots rot quickly in wet, heavy soil, especially during Minnesota’s spring thaws.
Good drainage is essential if you want lavender to grow well in Minnesota.
3. Mulch for Winter Protection
After the ground freezes, apply a layer of straw or evergreen boughs around your lavender plants.
This protects the roots from freeze-thaw cycles without smothering the crown.
Proper mulching helps lavender survive Minnesota winters and come back strong in spring.
4. Prune Lightly in Spring
Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as this can leave lavender vulnerable to cold damage.
Instead, wait until new growth appears in spring and remove only the dead or damaged stems.
This keeps the plant healthy and helps lavender grow well in Minnesota year after year.
So, Does Lavender Grow Well in Minnesota?
Lavender grows well in Minnesota when you choose cold-hardy varieties like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’ and provide proper soil drainage and winter protection.
While Minnesota’s climate isn’t the easiest for this Mediterranean herb, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy beautiful lavender in your garden.
With the right variety, good drainage, and a little winter care, lavender will grow well in Minnesota and reward you with fragrant blooms season after season.
Give it a try, and you might be surprised at just how well lavender grows in Minnesota.