When to Plant Lemongrass in USDA Zone 11a
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.
In Zone 11a, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Lemongrass Planting Timeline — Zone 11a
Where Is USDA Zone 11a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11a. Click any state to see the Lemongrass planting schedule for that location.
Lemongrass Planting Calendar — Zone 11a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | November 20 | Nov 20 – Dec 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 29 |
| Harvest | March 26 | Mar 26 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Start Indoors |
| December | Start Indoors |
Free Zone 11a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
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
Zone Temperature Range
40°F to 45°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone 11a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Lemongrass in Zone 11a
Sow every 8.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Lemongrass in Zone 11a
Zone 11a offers a long growing season (~364 days). You can plant Lemongrass earlier and may get multiple harvests.
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
Saving Lemongrass Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Related Plants
Lemongrass in Other Zones
Lemongrass by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemongrass in Zone 11a?
In Zone 11a, plan your Lemongrass planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around November 20. Direct sow outdoors around January 8. Transplant seedlings around January 8.
Can Lemongrass grow in Zone 11a?
Yes, Lemongrass can grow well in Zone 11a, hardy in USDA zones 8a through 11b. Zone 11a has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Lemongrass (75-120 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lemongrass in Zone 11a?
In Zone 11a, expect to harvest Lemongrass from March 26 – June 25. Lemongrass takes 75-120 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11a is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Lemongrass?
Good companion plants for Lemongrass include Tomatoes, Peppers. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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