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Can You Grow Lemongrass in Alberta?

Canada · Canadian Zone 4 · zones 2, 3, 4, 5

Won't grow here

Lemongrass is frost-tender but excellent as a container plant that overwinters indoors.

Plant zones

8b–11b

Alberta last frost

early May

Alberta first frost

early October

Days to harvest

75–100 days

When to plant Lemongrasses in Alberta

Start indoors

Mar 5

Transplant

May 1

Harvest

Jul 15 – Aug 9

Dates are approximate, based on Alberta'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 Alberta

Alberta has a dry continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Calgary and Edmonton are Zone 4-5. Intense sunshine compensates for the short season. Chinook winds bring warm spells in winter.