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Can You Grow Lemongrass in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Lemongrass grows as a perennial in your zone — plant in a large container for easy harvesting.

Plant zones

8b–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

75–100 days

When to plant Lemongrasses in California

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 26 – Apr 20

Dates are approximate, based on California's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical grass used throughout Southeast Asian, Indian, and Caribbean cooking. The fragrant stalks flavour curries, soups, and teas. In cold zones, grow as a container plant and overwinter indoors.

In cold zones, start indoors 8 weeks before last frost in a large pot. Bring indoors before frost. Divide clumps every 2-3 years. Harvest outer stalks 12 inches tall. Loves heat and full sun.

Full lemongrass growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.