When to Plant Lemongrass in Upton County, TX
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.
Upton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 1,734 feet, Upton County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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.
Upton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.3
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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Upton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemongrass Planting Timeline — Upton County, TX
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| 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
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 8b
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Upton County
Growing Tips for Upton 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 →
Lemongrass in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemongrass in Upton County, TX?
Upton County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Lemongrass planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Upton County, TX?
Upton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Upton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Upton County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.