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Can You Grow Lemongrass in Hawaii?

US · USDA Zone 12b · zones 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b

Grow indoors

Grow in a large pot so you can bring it indoors before frost — it thrives on a sunny windowsill all winter.

Plant zones

8b–11b

Hawaii last frost

no frost

Hawaii first frost

no frost

Days to harvest

75–100 days

When to plant Lemongrasses in Hawaii

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 1

Harvest

Mar 17 – Apr 11

Dates are approximate, based on Hawaii'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 Hawaii

Hawaii is tropical with year-round warmth. Zone varies dramatically by elevation — coastal areas are Zone 11-12 while Mauna Kea slopes reach Zone 9. Year-round growing throughout.

See what grows well in Hawaii →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Lemongrass in Hawaii?

Grow in a large pot so you can bring it indoors before frost — it thrives on a sunny windowsill all winter.

What zone is Hawaii?

Hawaii spans USDA Zone 12b (9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b).

When do you plant Lemongrasses in Hawaii?

Plant Lemongrasses around no frost (start indoors Jan 1), harvest Mar 17 – Apr 11.