Close-up of a lavender field with purple flowers, a bee collecting nectar, and green trees in the background.

Plant Care

Reaching down to touch lavender flowers in a garden

Growing Lavender in Ontario

Lavender may not be native to Canada, but can thrive here. While lavender naturally prefers the sunny, dry hills of the Mediterranean, gardeners can still enjoy its beauty and fragrance by choosing varieties that are hardy.

Not all lavender types will survive an Ontario winter. The most reliable choices for our region are:

Choosing the Right Varieties

Close-up of lavender flowers with purple petals and green stems, blurred background.

English Lavender

(Lavandula angustifolia)

Hardy to Zone 5, and with some protection, it often survives in Zone 4b. Popular cultivars include ‘Hidcote’, ‘Munstead’, and ‘Phenomenal’ - all varieties we grow.

Close-up of a lavender flower spike with purple blossoms and green stems in a garden setting.

Lavandin

(Lavandula × intermedia)

A hybrid with larger blooms and longer stems. Some cultivars, like ‘Phenomenal’, show good cold tolerance when planted in well-drained soil.

Planting Tips

Soil: Lavender needs sandy, well-drained soil.

Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day) is essential for healthy plants.

Two plants growing in soil with some space in between.

Spacing: Plant 18–24 inches apart to allow good air circulation and prevent root rot.

Two people harvesting lavender flowers in a field with purple rows, green trees in the background, and a clear blue sky.

Winter Protection

Cold and wet conditions are the biggest challenges for lavender in Ontario. To help your plants survive:

A burlap sack tied around a bundle of plants hanging outdoors with snow-covered ground in the background.

Plant in raised beds or on slopes to prevent waterlogging.

Avoid heavy mulches that trap moisture; instead, use gravel or straw lightly around the base.
In late fall, consider covering plants with a breathable fabric (such as burlap) to shield them from harsh winds and fluctuating temperatures.

Seasonal Care

Prune back deadwood once new growth appears, being careful not to cut into old wood.

Spring

Summer

Harvest blooms just as the buds begin to open.

Fall

Stop heavy pruning so plants can harden off before winter.

Person pruning a shrub with garden shears, wearing gloves.

A person harvesting lavender flowers in a lavender field, wearing gloves and using a sickle.

A person is pruning a large, bushy lavender plant in a field during sunset with their hand on pruning shears.

Use

Lavender isn’t just beautiful—it’s incredibly versatile! Its fragrant flowers and leaves can be enjoyed in many ways:

Add a subtle floral note to baked goods, teas, honey, or even savory dishes. Lavender honey is especially delicious drizzled over cheese, yogurt, or toast.

Culinary