Home › Lemongrass › Grow in Missouri

Can You Grow Lemongrass in Missouri?

US · USDA Zone 6a · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8b–11b

Missouri last frost

early April

Missouri first frost

late October

Days to harvest

75–100 days

When to plant Lemongrasses in Missouri

Start indoors

Feb 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

Jun 15 – Jul 10

Dates are approximate, based on Missouri'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 Missouri

Missouri has a humid continental climate. Kansas City and St. Louis are Zone 6a-6b; northern Missouri is cooler at Zone 5b-6a. Four distinct seasons with a long growing window.