Growing Lemongrass in Zone 8B

Lemongrass is a tropical herb that grows as an annual in most US zones. Essential for Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.

Zone 8B enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• Perennial only in zones 9-11 — grow as annual or in pots elsewhere
• Start from stalks bought at an Asian grocery store — root in water
• Needs full sun and regular water
• Bring indoors before frost in cold zones
• Grows 3-5 feet tall — give it space

Companion Planting

Good companions: tomatoes, peppers (deters pests with its scent)

Avoid planting near: none in particular

Harvest Timeline

Cut stalks at base when they’re pencil-thick or larger

About Zone 8B

USDA Hardiness Zone 8B has an average last spring frost around Mar 12 and first fall frost around Nov 18. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.