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When to Plant Lemongrass in Wakulla 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.

Wakulla County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.

At an elevation of 375 feet, Wakulla County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Lemongrass may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Lemongrass will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Wakulla County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
254 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
254 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Wakulla County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Sep 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (72 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 23 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Sep 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (65 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Oct 6

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

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
1.2″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,599 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemongrass needs ~2,072 GDD — county provides 5,397 GDD Excellent fit

Lemongrass Planting Timeline โ€” Wakulla County, FL

Lemongrass Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 23 Jan 23 โ€“ Feb 6
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 10
Direct Sow March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 10
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 โ€“ Sep 11

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

75โ€“120 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

254 days

Growing Tips for Wakulla 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemongrass in Wakulla County, FL?

Wakulla County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wakulla County, FL?

Wakulla County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wakulla County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wakulla County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.