When to Plant Lemongrass in Arkansas

Growing Lemongrass in Arkansas: Complete Guide

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Arkansas's last frost. Depending on your zone, Arkansas gardeners start seeds indoors between January 4, 2027 (Zone 8b) and January 30, 2027 (Zone 7a), then move transplants outside once their zone's last frost has passed — the zone table above has your exact dates.

Because Arkansas stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 100 days to maturity, Lemongrass needs the indoor head start that Arkansas's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.

Lemongrass requires full sun (6-8 hours) and moderate-high (1-2 inches/week) moisture. Southeastern summers are hot and humid; mulch heavily to retain moisture and shade roots during peak heat.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Arkansas.