When to Plant Lemongrass in Oak Ridge, North Carolina (27310)

Location

Oak Ridge, North Carolina

ZIP Code

27310

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, January 9, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, April 17, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 · Zone 8a

Pro tip: Start Lemongrass seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 17, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cymbopogon citratus

Days to Maturity 100 days

Mature Height 36-60"

Spread 36"

Type Tropical Perennial

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate-High (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days

Ready to Plant Lemongrass in Oak Ridge?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 9, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoBasilPepper

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Lemongrass

See which plants help Lemongrass thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🪴 Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Lemongrass rarely flowers in temperate climates. Propagate by dividing clumps in spring.

Division is the standard propagation method — separate outer stalks with roots attached and replant.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Lemongrass. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemongrass in Oak Ridge, North Carolina? +

In Oak Ridge (Zone 8a), start Lemongrass seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, April 17, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Oak Ridge, North Carolina? +

The average last spring frost date for Oak Ridge, North Carolina (ZIP 27310) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Lemongrass take to grow? +

Lemongrass typically matures in about 100 days from transplanting. In Oak Ridge, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, April 17, 2026 plus 100 days.

Should I start Lemongrass indoors or direct sow in North Carolina? +

Lemongrass should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Oak Ridge, that means starting around Friday, January 9, 2026.

📚 More Lemongrass Planting Guides

🗺️

Lemongrass in North Carolina

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 8a Lemongrass Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Lemongrass in Zone 8a

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Oak Ridge, North Carolina, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lemongrass seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 17, 2026, about 4 weeks after your last frost date.