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When to plant Lemongrass in Lee County, FL

Plant Lemongrass in Lee County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 4. Continue planting through February 25 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Lemongrass in Lee County, FL

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.

Lee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.

At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lemongrass during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lemongrass will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemongrass root diseases.

Lee County, FL (Zone 10b) Year-round
325 days
Last Spring Frost January 28
325 growing days
First Fall Frost December 19

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lemongrass

Lemongrass needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lemongrass Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 9.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemongrass Planting Timeline — Lee County, FL

Lemongrass Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 17 Dec 17 – Dec 31
Transplant Outdoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Direct Sow February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 25
Harvest April 22 Apr 22 – Jul 22

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
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

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

75–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10b

📆 Growing Season

325 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemongrass in Lee County, FL?

Lee County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, FL?

Lee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 19.

When should I plant Lemongrass in Lee County, FL?

In Lee County, FL, plant Lemongrass after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, FL for Lemongrass?

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Lemongrass grows reliably in zones 8a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lemongrass grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Lemongrass grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 19.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lee County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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