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When to Plant Lemongrass in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Monday, March 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Monday, June 29, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

Pro tip: Start Lemongrass seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, June 29, 2026.

🌿 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 Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, March 23, 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

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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 Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), start Lemongrass seeds indoors around Monday, March 23, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, June 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Lemongrass take to grow? +

Lemongrass typically matures in about 100 days from transplanting. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, June 29, 2026 plus 100 days.

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

Lemongrass should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Fairbanks, that means starting around Monday, March 23, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Lemongrass in Zone 2a

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, March 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lemongrass seedlings outdoors around Monday, June 29, 2026, about 4 weeks after your last frost date.