When to Plant Lemongrass in St. Bernard Parish, LA
What to do in April
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this April, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
It's harvest week for lemongrass
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Before May arrives, get these ready
- 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.
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 312 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, St. Bernard Parish receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemongrass root diseases.
St. Bernard Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 St. Bernard Parish
How your county's soil matches Lemongrass's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) overlaps with Lemongrass's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lemongrass will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lemongrass.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Lemongrass.
How to Plant Lemongrass
Succession Planting Lemongrass
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Bernard Parish). 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 — St. Bernard Parish, LA
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 22 | Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
75–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
312 days in St. Bernard Parish
Growing Tips for Lemongrass in St. Bernard Parish
Direct sow Lemongrass outdoors after February 02 in St. Bernard Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish 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 104°F in St. Bernard Parish, 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.
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 St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 11.
Your St. Bernard Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Bernard Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.