Home › Lemongrass › Grow in Iowa

Can You Grow Lemongrass in Iowa?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8b–11b

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

75–100 days

When to plant Lemongrasses in Iowa

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 29 – Jul 24

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.