How to Grow Lavender in Australia
A cool-season flower crop for the home garden
Growing Lavender at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$4-8/week on herbal teas and culinary lavender, perennial shrub for many years.
This guide covers when to plant Lavender in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Lavender is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Lavender full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 60 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 21 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 22 degrees.
Prefers SEQ cooler months, struggles in high humidity summers. Excellent drainage essential. Hidcote and Munstead are most reliable. Flowers edible; repels moths and aphids.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 2 L per plant every 7 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Root rot in wet. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Lavender is typically ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months). Dry flower heads and store in a sealed jar, up to 12 months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, lavender is good dried flowers infused into shortbread and cakes, added sparingly to herbal teas, infused into honey or simple syrup and used in herbes de Provence spice blend. Nutritionally: traditional aromatherapy relaxation herb and attracts pollinating and beneficial insects.
Companion Planting
Lavender grows well alongside Brassicas, Tomato and Rosemary. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Lavender Growing
Add lavender to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lavender in Australia?
Lavender is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Lavender take to grow?
Lavender is generally ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Lavender in a pot?
Yes. Lavender grows well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Lavender need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Lavender in the Plant Library
