New York’s growing zones range from six to seven, creating planting time variations that span nearly a full month. The best time to plant lemon grass in New York depends on your exact location and the last frost date. Lemongrass is a tropical plant that cannot survive freezing temperatures, so timing is everything.
You want to plant it after the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed. In New York, that usually means late May to early June. But let’s break it down so you get it right every time.
Understanding New York’s Climate For Lemongrass
New York is not a tropical state. Winters are cold, and summers can be hot but short. Lemongrass thrives in warmth and humidity, so you need to give it the longest possible growing season.
Most of New York falls into USDA hardiness zones 6a to 7b. Zone 6 covers the northern and western parts, while zone 7 covers the NYC area and Long Island. This difference matters for planting dates.
Zone 6 Planting Window
If you live in zone 6 (Albany, Buffalo, Rochester), your last frost date is typically around May 15 to May 25. The soil needs to be at least 60°F before planting. That means you should wait until late May or early June.
- Last frost: Mid to late May
- Soil temperature: 60°F or higher
- Best planting window: May 25 to June 10
Zone 7 Planting Window
In zone 7 (New York City, Long Island, parts of Westchester), the last frost comes earlier, usually around April 15 to April 30. But don’t rush. Soil warms slower than air. Wait until early to mid-May.
- Last frost: Mid to late April
- Soil temperature: 60°F or higher
- Best planting window: May 10 to May 25
Best Time To Plant Lemon Grass In New York
The Best Time To Plant Lemon Grass In New York is after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F. For most gardeners, that falls between May 15 and June 10. If you plant too early, cold soil can stunt growth or kill the plant. Too late, and you won’t get a full harvest before fall.
Check your local frost dates using the NOAA or your county extension service. Then add two weeks after that date for safe planting.
Why Soil Temperature Matters
Lemongrass roots are sensitive. They stop growing below 50°F and get damaged below 40°F. Even if the air feels warm, cold soil can cause root rot or slow growth.
Use a soil thermometer to check. Insert it 4 inches deep in the morning. If it reads 60°F or higher for three days in a row, you are good to go.
Starting Lemongrass Indoors For A Head Start
New York’s growing season is only about 150 to 180 days. Lemongrass needs 100 to 120 days to reach full size. Starting indoors gives you a big advantage.
- Start seeds or cuttings 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date
- Use a seed starting mix and small pots
- Keep them in a warm spot (70°F to 80°F) with bright light
- Water regularly but don’t soak
- Harden off plants for 7 to 10 days before moving outside
Hardening off means gradually exposing indoor plants to outdoor conditions. Start with 1 hour of shade, then increase daily. This prevents shock and leaf burn.
Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors
When your seedlings are 6 to 8 inches tall and the soil is warm, it’s time to transplant. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant at the same depth it was in the pot. Water thoroughly after planting. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Planting Lemongrass From Stalks
Many gardeners start lemongrass from grocery store stalks. This is easy and cheap. Look for stalks with the base still attached and some roots showing.
- Trim the top leaves to about 6 inches
- Place the stalk in a glass of water with the base submerged
- Change water every 2 days
- Roots should appear in 1 to 2 weeks
- Once roots are 1 inch long, plant in soil
You can do this indoors anytime, but plan to transplant outside after the last frost. If you start in early April, you will have rooted stalks ready by mid-May.
Direct Sowing Seeds Outdoors
Direct sowing is riskier in New York because seeds need warm soil to germinate. If you want to try, wait until early June when soil is consistently above 65°F.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist. Germination takes 10 to 21 days. Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart once they have two sets of leaves.
Caring For Lemongrass In New York Summers
Lemongrass is low maintenance once established. It grows fast in heat and humidity. New York summers are usually hot enough, but you may need to water during dry spells.
- Water deeply once a week if no rain
- Fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks
- Remove dead leaves to improve air flow
- Watch for spider mites and aphids
Lemongrass can grow 3 to 5 feet tall by late summer. It makes a great ornamental grass too. The citrus scent repels mosquitoes, so plant it near patios or doors.
Container Growing For Flexibility
If you have limited space or want to move plants indoors in fall, grow lemongrass in containers. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes.
Fill with quality potting mix. Place in full sun. Water more frequently than in-ground plants because containers dry out faster. Fertilize every 2 weeks during active growth.
Container growing also lets you start earlier. You can bring pots indoors on cold nights in spring, then move them out during the day. This extends your season by 2 to 3 weeks.
Harvesting Lemongrass In New York
You can start harvesting when stalks are about 12 inches tall and at least 1/2 inch thick. Cut stalks at ground level using sharp shears. Leave at least half the stalks so the plant keeps growing.
Harvest in the morning when oils are strongest. Use fresh or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze or dry lemongrass for later use.
In New York, the main harvest window is August through October. Stop harvesting by mid-October to allow the plant to prepare for dormancy or winter storage.
Overwintering Lemongrass Indoors
Lemongrass is perennial in zones 9 and above. In New York, it will not survive winter outdoors. You have two options: treat it as an annual or bring it indoors.
To overwinter indoors:
- Dig up a clump before the first frost (usually October)
- Cut back leaves to 6 inches
- Plant in a pot with fresh soil
- Place in a sunny window or under grow lights
- Water sparingly, only when soil is dry
- Keep away from cold drafts
The plant will go semi-dormant. Growth slows but it will survive. In spring, you can move it back outside after the last frost.
Common Mistakes When Planting Lemongrass In New York
Even experienced gardeners make errors. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.
- Planting too early: Cold soil kills roots. Wait for 60°F.
- Overwatering: Lemongrass likes moisture but not soggy soil. Drainage is key.
- Underwatering in containers: Pots dry fast. Check daily in summer.
- Ignoring frost warnings: Cover plants or bring pots inside if a late frost is forecast.
- Not hardening off: Indoor plants need gradual exposure to sun and wind.
Another mistake is planting in too much shade. Lemongrass needs full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Less sun means slower growth and weaker stalks.
Pests And Diseases To Watch For
Lemongrass is fairly pest-resistant, but not immune. In New York, the main issues are:
- Spider mites: Look for fine webbing and yellow leaves. Spray with water or insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: Small green or black insects on new growth. Wash off with a strong hose spray.
- Rust: Orange or brown spots on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Most problems are minor. Healthy plants can tolerate light infestations. If you catch issues early, a simple treatment usually works.
Using Lemongrass In The Kitchen
Lemongrass adds a bright, citrusy flavor to soups, curries, teas, and marinades. Use the tender inner part of the stalk, not the tough outer leaves.
To prepare, cut off the root end and remove the outer layers. Smash the stalk with a knife to release oils, then chop or slice. You can also steep whole stalks in broth and remove them before serving.
Fresh lemongrass freezes well. Chop it and store in a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Dried lemongrass is also available but has less flavor.
Companion Planting With Lemongrass
Lemongrass pairs well with other warm-season crops. Plant it near:
- Tomatoes: Lemongrass repels some pests
- Peppers: Both love heat and sun
- Basil: Similar water and sun needs
- Mint: But keep mint in a container to avoid spreading
Avoid planting lemongrass near fennel or dill, as they may compete for nutrients. Also keep it away from cold-sensitive plants that need shade, since lemongrass grows tall and casts shade.
Extending The Growing Season In New York
You can push the boundaries of New York’s short season with a few tricks. Use row covers or cold frames to warm the soil in spring. Black plastic mulch also helps raise soil temperature by 5 to 10 degrees.
In fall, use frost blankets to protect plants from early frosts. This can give you an extra 2 to 3 weeks of growth. Just remove the cover during the day so plants get sun.
Another method is to plant in raised beds. Soil warms faster in raised beds because they are above ground. This can let you plant 1 to 2 weeks earlier than in-ground gardens.
When To Stop Planting
If you miss the spring window, you can still plant lemongrass in summer, but the harvest will be smaller. The latest safe planting date in New York is around July 15 for zone 6 and July 30 for zone 7.
After that, the plant won’t have enough time to mature before frost. You can still grow it in containers and bring it indoors, but outdoor growth will be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant lemongrass in New York in April?
Only if you start it indoors. Outdoor planting in April is too risky because soil is still cold and frost is possible. Wait until May or June for outdoor planting.
What is the best month to plant lemongrass in New York?
Late May to early June is ideal for most of New York. For zone 7, mid-May works. For zone 6, early June is safer.
Does lemongrass come back every year in New York?
No, it is not winter hardy in New York. You must bring it indoors or treat it as an annual. Some gardeners have success mulching heavily, but it is risky.
How long does lemongrass take to grow in New York?
From planting to harvest, about 100 to 120 days. Starting indoors gives you a head start and ensures a full harvest before frost.
Can I grow lemongrass from grocery store stalks?
Yes, it is easy. Look for fresh stalks with the base intact. Root them in water, then plant in soil after the last frost.
Final Tips For Success
Lemongrass is forgiving once established. The key is getting the timing right. Wait for warm soil, give it full sun, and don’t overwater.
If you follow the planting windows for your zone, you will have plenty of lemongrass for cooking, tea, and mosquito repellent. Start indoors for the best results, and protect your plants from frost in spring and fall.
New York gardeners can enjoy fresh lemongrass from July through October. With a little planning, you can harvest enough to last through winter. Just remember to bring a clump indoors before the first freeze.
Happy planting, and enjoy the fresh citrus flavor from your own garden. Lemongrass is one of the easiest tropical herbs to grow in a northern climate, as long as you respect its need for warmth and time.