When to Plant Lemongrass in Chickasaw County, MS
Chickasaw County, Mississippi gardeners: here's your May plan
A quick May briefing for Chickasaw County, Mississippi gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Indoor seed-starting week for lemongrass
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Chickasaw County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 79 feet, Chickasaw County receives approximately 58.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lemongrass during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemongrass, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemongrass root diseases.
Chickasaw County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Chickasaw County
How your county's soil matches Lemongrass's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) is within Lemongrass's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Chickasaw County is excellent for Lemongrass — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Lemongrass.
How to Plant Lemongrass
Succession Planting Lemongrass
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 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 | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Chickasaw 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 — Chickasaw County, MS
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Sep 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
75–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Chickasaw County
Growing Tips for Lemongrass in Chickasaw County
Direct sow Lemongrass outdoors after March 25 in Chickasaw County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Chickasaw County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Lemongrass. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Chickasaw County, MS?
Chickasaw County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chickasaw County, MS?
Chickasaw County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Chickasaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Chickasaw 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.