When to Plant Lemongrass in Okeechobee County, FL
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.
Okeechobee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
At an elevation of 139 feet, Okeechobee County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Lemongrass may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lemongrass will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Okeechobee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lemongrass Planting Timeline — Okeechobee County, FL
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 14 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Direct Sow | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 22 |
| Harvest | April 19 | Apr 19 – Jul 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
75–120 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9b
Growing Season
329 days
Growing Tips for Okeechobee County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Lemongrass in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemongrass in Okeechobee County, FL?
Okeechobee County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Okeechobee County, FL?
Okeechobee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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