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Can You Grow Lemongrass in Wisconsin?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 3b, 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

Wisconsin last frost

mid-April

Wisconsin first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

75–100 days

When to plant Lemongrasses in Wisconsin

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 29 – Jul 24

Dates are approximate, based on Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cold humid continental climate. Milwaukee is Zone 5b-6a; northern Wisconsin is Zone 4a-5a. Cold winters but warm productive summers. Known for dairy farming and cold-hardy crops.