When to Plant Lemongrass in USDA Zone 9b
Zone 9b gardeners: here's your April plan
April is a pivotal month for Zone 9b gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick lemongrass
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in May — start thinking about
- First harvests: lemongrass
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 9b, the average last spring frost is around January 25 and the first fall frost is around December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
Lemongrass Planting Timeline — Zone 9b
Where Is USDA Zone 9b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 9b. Click any state to see the Lemongrass planting schedule for that location.
Lemongrass Planting Calendar — Zone 9b
| 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 |
Free Zone 9b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 9b 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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
329 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Lemongrass in Zone
Sow every 8.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Lemongrass in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~329 days). Start Lemongrass indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Saving Lemongrass Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
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 9b?
In Zone 9b, plan your Lemongrass planting around the average last frost date of January 25. Start seeds indoors around December 14. Direct sow outdoors around February 1. Transplant seedlings around February 1.
Can Lemongrass grow in Zone 9b?
Yes, Lemongrass can grow well in Zone 9b, hardy in USDA zones 8a through 11b. Zone 9b has a growing season of approximately 329 days, which is sufficient for Lemongrass (75-120 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lemongrass in Zone 9b?
In Zone 9b, expect to harvest Lemongrass from April 19 – July 19. Lemongrass takes 75-120 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 9b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 9b is around January 25, and the first fall frost is around December 20. This gives a growing season of approximately 329 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.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.