When to Plant Lemongrass in Ohio

Growing Lemongrass in Ohio: Complete Guide

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Ohio's last frost. Most Ohio gardeners begin seeds indoors around Friday, January 30, 2026 and move transplants outside around Friday, May 8, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.

Because Ohio stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), 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 Ohio'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. Midwest growing seasons are compressed between late spring frosts and fall cold snaps, so timing transplants precisely pays off.

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 Ohio.