When to Plant Lemongrass in Maricopa County, AZ
What to do in May
Your Maricopa County, Arizona garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Pick lemongrass
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Maricopa County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 31 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 309 days.
At an elevation of 4,014 feet, Maricopa County receives approximately 12.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 108°F, so Lemongrass may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lemongrass will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemongrass successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Maricopa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Maricopa County
How your county's soil matches Lemongrass's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.5) is more alkaline than Lemongrass prefers (5.5–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Maricopa County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lemongrass will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lemongrass.
How to Plant Lemongrass
Succession Planting Lemongrass
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemongrass
Lemongrass needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemongrass Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.5" | 0.9" | 5.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Feb | 6.5" | 0.8" | 5.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 0.7" | 5.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 0.5" | 6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 0.3" | 6.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.4" | 6.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 0.6" | 5.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 0.8" | 5.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Maricopa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemongrass Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lemongrass Planting Timeline — Maricopa County, AZ
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 20 | Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 28 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – Jul 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
75–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
309 days in Maricopa County
Growing Tips for Lemongrass in Maricopa County
Direct sow Lemongrass outdoors after January 31 in Maricopa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Maricopa County dries quickly — mulch Lemongrass with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 108°F in Maricopa County, provide afternoon shade for Lemongrass and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Lemongrass in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Maricopa County receives only 12" of rain annually. Lemongrass needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemongrass in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemongrass in Maricopa County, AZ?
Maricopa County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 31. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Maricopa County, AZ?
Maricopa County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 31 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Maricopa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Maricopa County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.