When to Plant Lemongrass in Bienville Parish, LA
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.
Bienville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.
At an elevation of 438 feet, Bienville Parish receives approximately 56 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Lemongrass during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemongrass root diseases.
Bienville Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.9
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
Lemongrass Planting Timeline — Bienville Parish, LA
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 8a
Growing Season
241 days
Growing Tips for Bienville Parish
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 Bienville Parish, LA?
Bienville Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bienville Parish, LA?
Bienville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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