Oklahoma’s unpredictable spring weather makes soil temperature a more reliable indicator than calendar dates for planting lemongrass. Finding the best time to plant lemon grass in oklahoma requires understanding both your local climate and the plant’s tropical needs. This guide walks you through exactly when and how to plant lemongrass for success in the Sooner State.
Lemongrass thrives in heat and hates frost. Oklahoma gardeners often rush to plant after the last frost date, only to lose their crop to a late cold snap. Instead of guessing, use soil temperature and weather patterns to pick your planting window.
Best Time To Plant Lemon Grass In Oklahoma
The ideal planting window for lemongrass in Oklahoma runs from late April through early June. This period gives the soil enough time to warm up while avoiding the risk of a late spring freeze. In southern Oklahoma, you can start as early as mid-April. In the panhandle, wait until mid-May or later.
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial that stops growing when soil temperatures drop below 50°F. For active root development, the soil needs to be at least 60°F at a depth of 4 inches. Oklahoma’s spring soil warms unevenly, so checking with a soil thermometer is more accurate than relying on the calendar alone.
Many gardeners make the mistake of planting lemongrass too early. They see warm air temperatures and assume the ground is ready. But Oklahoma’s soil can stay cold for weeks after the air warms up. Planting into cold soil stunts growth and can cause root rot.
Check Your Local Frost Dates
Oklahoma spans USDA hardiness zones 6a in the panhandle to 8a in the southeast. Your last spring frost date varies by location:
- Panhandle (Guymon, Boise City): May 10-20
- North-central (Enid, Ponca City): April 20-30
- Central (Oklahoma City, Norman): April 10-20
- Tulsa and northeast: April 10-20
- Southeast (Hugo, Idabel): March 30-April 10
- Southwest (Lawton, Altus): April 1-15
Plant lemongrass at least two weeks after your average last frost date. This buffer protects against unexpected cold snaps, which Oklahoma often experiences in early spring.
Soil Temperature Is Your Best Guide
Forget the calendar for a moment. The most reliable method is checking soil temperature. Here’s how:
- Buy a soil thermometer from any garden center or online.
- Insert it 4 inches deep into the soil where you plan to plant.
- Take readings at the same time each morning for three consecutive days.
- Average the readings. If the average is 60°F or higher, you’re ready.
Oklahoma’s soil typically reaches 60°F by late April in the south and mid-May in the north. But every year is different. In 2023, some parts of Oklahoma didn’t hit 60°F until June 1st. Using a thermometer removes all guesswork.
Why Timing Matters So Much
Lemongrass is not a native Oklahoma plant. It comes from tropical Asia and needs warm conditions to thrive. Planting too early exposes it to cold stress, which weakens the plant and invites pests and diseases. Planting too late means a shorter growing season and smaller harvest.
Lemongrass grows best when daytime temperatures are between 75°F and 95°F. Oklahoma summers deliver this heat reliably from June through September. If you plant in late April or early May, your lemongrass has about 4-5 months of prime growing weather before the first fall frost.
What Happens If You Plant Too Early
Planting lemongrass before the soil warms up causes several problems:
- Roots stay dormant and don’t grow
- Leaves may turn yellow or purple from cold stress
- Increased risk of fungal diseases like root rot
- Plants may die back to the ground and regrow slowly
- Weaker plants that produce less foliage all season
One gardener in Tulsa planted lemongrass in early April after a warm spell. A late freeze hit on April 15th, killing all her plants. She had to start over from scratch. Waiting two more weeks would have saved her time and money.
What Happens If You Plant Too Late
Planting after mid-June also has downsides:
- Less time for roots to establish before winter
- Smaller plants that produce less harvest
- Higher risk of not surviving the winter if you overwinter
- More heat stress on young plants during July and August
The sweet spot is late April to early June. Within that window, earlier is better for southern Oklahoma, and later is safer for northern areas.
How To Plant Lemongrass In Oklahoma
Once you’ve determined the best time to plant lemon grass in oklahoma, follow these steps for success.
Choose The Right Location
Lemongrass needs full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In Oklahoma’s intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch, but full sun is still best for growth.
The soil should be well-draining. Lemongrass hates wet feet. If your soil is heavy clay, which is common in Oklahoma, plant in raised beds or amend the soil with compost and sand to improve drainage.
Prepare The Soil
Before planting, prepare your soil:
- Remove all weeds and grass from the planting area.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches.
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
- Add a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at the rate recommended on the package.
- Water the soil thoroughly the day before planting.
Lemongrass prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Oklahoma soils tend to be alkaline, so test your pH and adjust if needed. Adding sulfur can lower pH, while lime raises it.
Planting Lemongrass Stalks
Most gardeners start lemongrass from stalks purchased at grocery stores or garden centers. Here’s how to plant them:
- Choose fresh stalks with the base still intact. Look for firm, green stalks without signs of drying or mold.
- Trim the top leaves to about 6 inches above the base. This reduces water loss while roots establish.
- Place the base of each stalk in a glass of water for 2-3 weeks. Change the water every few days. Roots should appear from the base.
- Once roots are 1-2 inches long, transplant them into the garden or a container.
- Space plants 24-36 inches apart. Lemongrass grows into large clumps.
- Plant at the same depth as the stalk was in water. Firm the soil around the base.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
You can also plant stalks directly into the ground without rooting them first. Just bury the base 2-3 inches deep in moist soil. This method works but has a lower success rate, especially in Oklahoma’s variable spring weather.
Container Planting Option
Many Oklahoma gardeners prefer growing lemongrass in containers. This gives you more control over soil conditions and makes it easier to move plants indoors for winter. Use a pot at least 12 inches in diameter with drainage holes. Fill with quality potting mix and follow the same planting steps.
Container-grown lemongrass dries out faster, so check soil moisture daily during hot weather. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Caring For Lemongrass After Planting
Proper care after planting ensures strong growth and a good harvest.
Watering
Lemongrass needs consistent moisture, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. In Oklahoma’s hot, dry summers, you may need to water every 2-3 days.
Mulch around the base of plants with 2-3 inches of straw, wood chips, or grass clippings. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps roots cool.
Fertilizing
Lemongrass is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Use a water-soluble fertilizer or side-dress with compost. Stop fertilizing by late August to allow plants to harden off before winter.
Pest And Disease Management
Lemongrass has few pest problems in Oklahoma. Occasional issues include:
- Spider mites during hot, dry weather. Spray with water or insecticidal soap.
- Aphids on new growth. Knock them off with a strong stream of water.
- Root rot from overwatering. Ensure good drainage and avoid wet soil.
Most problems are preventable with proper watering and spacing. Healthy plants resist pests better than stressed ones.
Harvesting Lemongrass In Oklahoma
You can start harvesting lemongrass about 3-4 months after planting, once stalks are at least 12 inches tall and about 1/2 inch thick at the base.
To harvest, grasp a stalk near the base and twist it off. You can also cut stalks at ground level with pruning shears. Harvest from the outside of the clump first, leaving the center stalks to keep growing.
In Oklahoma’s long growing season, you can harvest multiple times from the same plant. Stop harvesting by late September to let the plant store energy for winter.
Overwintering Lemongrass In Oklahoma
Lemongrass is not winter-hardy in most of Oklahoma. Temperatures below 20°F will kill it. You have two options for overwintering:
Bring Plants Indoors
Before the first frost, dig up your lemongrass clumps or move containers indoors. Cut back the leaves to 6 inches tall. Place the plants in a sunny window or under grow lights. Water sparingly during winter, only when the soil feels dry. They will go dormant and look scraggly, but they’ll bounce back in spring.
Mulch Heavily Outdoors
In southern Oklahoma (zones 7b-8a), you can try overwintering in the ground with heavy mulch. After the first frost, cut the plant back to 6 inches. Cover with 6-12 inches of straw, leaves, or pine needles. This works best in well-drained soil and mild winters. Success is not guaranteed, especially during cold snaps.
Most Oklahoma gardeners find it easier to bring plants indoors or start new stalks each spring.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with lemongrass. Here are the most common ones in Oklahoma:
- Planting too early: Wait for soil to reach 60°F.
- Overwatering: Lemongrass needs moisture but not soggy soil.
- Underwatering: Oklahoma summers are dry. Don’t let plants wilt.
- Planting in shade: Lemongrass needs full sun for best growth.
- Ignoring frost dates: Always check your local forecast before planting.
- Not spacing enough: Crowded plants compete for nutrients and air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant lemongrass in Oklahoma in the fall?
Fall planting is not recommended. Lemongrass needs warm soil and a long growing season to establish before winter. Spring planting gives the best results.
How late can I plant lemongrass in Oklahoma?
You can plant as late as early June in most of Oklahoma. Planting after mid-June reduces the growing season and may result in smaller plants. In southern Oklahoma, you can push to late June.
Should I start lemongrass from seed in Oklahoma?
Starting from seed is possible but slow. Lemongrass seeds need warm soil (70°F+) and take 2-3 weeks to germinate. Most gardeners prefer starting from stalks or transplants for faster results.
What is the best month to plant lemongrass in Oklahoma City?
For Oklahoma City, aim for mid-April to mid-May. Check soil temperature and local frost dates. The average last frost in OKC is around April 15th, so planting two weeks after that is safe.
Can lemongrass survive Oklahoma winters?
Only in the warmest parts of Oklahoma (zones 7b-8a) with heavy mulching. In most of the state, lemongrass will not survive winter outdoors. Bring plants indoors or treat as an annual.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow lemongrass in Oklahoma. The key is patience—wait for warm soil, plant at the right time, and give your plants the care they need. With proper timing, you’ll enjoy fresh lemongrass for cooking, tea, and landscaping all summer long.
Remember that Oklahoma’s weather is unpredictable. Even with the best planning, a late freeze or early cold snap can happen. Always have a backup plan, like keeping a few stalks indoors or having row covers ready for unexpected frost. This flexibility will help you succeed year after year.
Now that you know the best time to plant lemon grass in oklahoma, you can start preparing your garden. Check your soil temperature, mark your calendar, and get ready for a bountiful harvest of this versatile herb.