Growing Lemongrass in Zone 8a
Zone 8a has warm winters and an extended growing season — excellent for heat-loving crops like Lemongrass. Last frost: Apr 5. First frost: Oct 28.
Planting Calendar
Season: Apr 5 – Oct 28 (206 days)
When to Plant Lemongrass in Zone 8a
Start Seeds Indoors: Feb 8
Start Lemongrass seeds indoors around Feb 8 (8 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 80°F. Germinates in 14–21 days.
Transplant Outdoors: Apr 26
Transplant Lemongrass seedlings outdoors after Apr 26. Wait until soil temperature reaches 65°F. Space plants at 24/sqft. Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.
Harvest: Jul 10
First harvest approximately Jul 10 (~75 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Oct 28).
Lemongrass in Other Zones
1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13bFrequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemongrass in Zone 8a?
Start Lemongrass seeds indoors around Feb 8. Transplant outdoors after Apr 26. Expect first harvest around Jul 10.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8a?
The average last spring frost date for Zone 8a is Apr 5. The first fall frost averages Oct 28, giving a 206-day growing season.
Can I grow Lemongrass in Zone 8a?
Yes. Lemongrass needs 120 days to harvest. Zone 8a has a 206-day growing season, which is sufficient.
What is the best month to plant Lemongrass in Zone 8a?
The best time to start Lemongrass in Zone 8a is Feb. Begin seeds indoors around Feb 8, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of Apr 5.
How long does Lemongrass take to harvest?
Lemongrass takes approximately 120 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 8a, expect your first harvest around Jul 10.
Plan Your Lemongrass Garden
Track Lemongrass from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
Start Free Lemongrass Growing Guide