When to Plant Lemongrass in Poinsett County, AR
May in the garden — Poinsett County, Arkansas
Your garden in Poinsett County, Arkansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Start lemongrass under lights
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
Coming up in June — 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.
Poinsett County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 247 feet, Poinsett County receives approximately 45.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lemongrass during the growing season.
Poinsett County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 Poinsett County
How your county's soil matches Lemongrass's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) is within Lemongrass's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Poinsett County is excellent for Lemongrass — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lemongrass.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Lemongrass.
How to Plant Lemongrass
Succession Planting Lemongrass
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Poinsett 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 — Poinsett County, AR
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | 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
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Poinsett County
Growing Tips for Lemongrass in Poinsett County
Direct sow Lemongrass outdoors after March 22 in Poinsett County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lemongrass in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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 Poinsett County, AR?
Poinsett County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Poinsett County, AR?
Poinsett County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Poinsett County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Poinsett County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.