When to Plant Lemongrass in Des Moines, Iowa (50321)

Location

Des Moines, Iowa

ZIP Code

50321

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Saturday, February 14, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Saturday, May 23, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Lemongrass seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 23, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cymbopogon citratus

Days to Maturity 100 days

Mature Height 36-60"

Spread 36"

Type Tropical Perennial

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate-High (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days

Ready to Plant Lemongrass in Des Moines?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, February 14, 2026.

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Growing Lemongrass in Zone 5b

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Des Moines, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lemongrass seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 23, 2026, about 4 weeks after your last frost date.