Growing Lemongrass in Zone 9B

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

Zone 9B has a very long growing season with mild winters. Many crops can be grown nearly year-round with successive plantings.

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 9B

USDA Hardiness Zone 9B has an average last spring frost around Feb 15 and first fall frost around Dec 10. 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.