Home › Rosemary › Grow in Iowa

Can You Grow Rosemary in Iowa?

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

Grow indoors

Rosemary grows beautifully in containers that can be brought indoors before hard frost.

Plant zones

6a–11b

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

Perennial

About Rosemary

Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that thrives in poor well-drained soil and full sun once established.

Plant in the sunniest most well-drained spot. Excellent in containers — bring indoors in winter in cold zones. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering.

Full rosemary 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.

See what grows well in Iowa →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Rosemary in Iowa?

Rosemary grows beautifully in containers that can be brought indoors before hard frost.

What zone is Iowa?

Iowa spans USDA Zone 5a (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).

When do you plant Rosemaries in Iowa?

See the planting guide for Rosemary — timing depends on your exact frost date.