Lemongrass Planting Guide
Lemongrass is a tropical grass with a strong citrus aroma used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine. The swollen stem bases are the most flavorful part.
Cymbopogon citratus · Herb · Poaceae family · 75–120 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Lemongrass?
Lemongrass Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Lemongrass planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 8a | Jan 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Jun 7 – Sep 6 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | May 27 – Aug 26 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | May 5 – Aug 4 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Feb 1 | Feb 1 | Apr 19 – Jul 19 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – Jun 25 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – Jun 25 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – Jun 25 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – Jun 25 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Soil pH
5.5 – 7.5
Hardiness Zones
Zone 8a – 11b
Growing Tips
Start from divisions or store-bought stalks rooted in water. Grow in rich, moist soil with full sun. In cold climates, grow in containers and overwinter indoors.
Saving Lemongrass Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Lemongrass by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Lemongrass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) takes 75 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Lemongrass grow in?
Lemongrass can be grown in USDA zones 8a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Lemongrass need?
Growing Lemongrass requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), High — keep soil consistently moist, and soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5.