When to Plant Lemongrass in Virginia

Growing Lemongrass in Virginia: Complete Guide

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Virginia's last frost. Depending on your zone, Virginia gardeners start seeds indoors between January 4, 2027 (Zone 8b) and February 9, 2027 (Zone 6a), then move transplants outside once their zone's last frost has passed — the zone table above has your exact dates.

Because Virginia stretches across 6 USDA hardiness zones (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight 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 Virginia'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. Mid-Atlantic summers bring heat and humidity — ensure good air circulation and watch for fungal issues like powdery mildew.

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 Virginia.