When to Plant Lemongrass in Austin, Texas (78708)

Location

Austin, Texas

ZIP Code

78708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, December 12, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, March 20, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

Pro tip: Start Lemongrass seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, March 20, 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 Austin?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, December 12, 2025.

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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 Austin, Texas? +

In Austin (Zone 9a), start Lemongrass seeds indoors around Friday, December 12, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Friday, March 20, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Austin, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Austin, Texas (ZIP 78708) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Lemongrass take to grow? +

Lemongrass typically matures in about 100 days from transplanting. In Austin, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 20, 2026 plus 100 days.

Should I start Lemongrass indoors or direct sow in Texas? +

Lemongrass should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Austin, that means starting around Friday, December 12, 2025.

📚 More Lemongrass Planting Guides

🗺️

Lemongrass in Texas

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9a Lemongrass Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Lemongrass in Zone 9a

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Austin, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, December 12, 2025.

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