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Can You Grow Lemongrass in New Jersey?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8b–11b

New Jersey last frost

mid-March

New Jersey first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

75–100 days

When to plant Lemongrasses in New Jersey

Start indoors

Jan 17

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 29 – Jun 23

Dates are approximate, based on New Jersey'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 New Jersey

New Jersey has a humid subtropical to continental climate. South Jersey is Zone 7a; North Jersey is Zone 6a-6b. Known for its produce farming — tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries.