USDA Plant hardiness Zone 9 By Fabienne Laurence Audette Information specific to California climate and soil was obtained, during a 1998 seminar from Deborah Whigham, Digging Dog Nursery, PO Box 471, Albion, CA 954110 and from the 1998 publication of The Lavender Garden, by Robert Kourik 1. Select high ground in full sun, on a south to southwest facing slope, if possible. Analyze the structure of the soil.
Lavenders grow best in well drained, coarse textured soils.
Increase soil particle size and loosen structure by incorporating gravel, stone and composted materials. Plan for ground, not overhead, irrigation. Well managed water application is key for the survival of newly transplanted lavenders as well as flowering of mature plants. Select lavender and lavandin cultivars best suited for the desired crop. Refer to The Lavender Garden, by Robert Kourik for a description of species and cultivars and their uses.