When to Plant Lemongrass in Polk County, OR
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.
Polk County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 331 feet, Polk County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemongrass to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemongrass root diseases.
Polk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 — Polk County, OR
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Oct 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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
204 days
Growing Tips for Polk 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 Polk County, OR?
Polk County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Polk County, OR?
Polk County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Polk County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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