When to Plant Lemongrass in Tucson, Arizona (85708)

Location

Tucson, Arizona

ZIP Code

85708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

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

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, December 2, 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 Tucson, Arizona? +

In Tucson (Zone 9b), start Lemongrass seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 2, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Tucson, Arizona? +

The average last spring frost date for Tucson, Arizona (ZIP 85708) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Lemongrass take to grow? +

Lemongrass typically matures in about 100 days from transplanting. In Tucson, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, March 10, 2026 plus 100 days.

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

Lemongrass should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Tucson, that means starting around Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

📚 More Lemongrass Planting Guides

🗺️

Lemongrass in Arizona

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9b Lemongrass Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Lemongrass in Zone 9b

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Tucson, Arizona, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lemongrass seedlings outdoors around Tuesday, March 10, 2026, about 4 weeks after your last frost date.