When to Plant Lemongrass in Macedonia, Iowa (51549)

Location

Macedonia, Iowa

ZIP Code

51549

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

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

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🌿 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 Macedonia?

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

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoBasilPepper

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Lemongrass

See which plants help Lemongrass thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🪴 Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Lemongrass rarely flowers in temperate climates. Propagate by dividing clumps in spring.

Division is the standard propagation method — separate outer stalks with roots attached and replant.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Lemongrass. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemongrass in Macedonia, Iowa? +

In Macedonia (Zone 5b), start Lemongrass seeds indoors around Saturday, February 14, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 23, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Macedonia, Iowa? +

The average last spring frost date for Macedonia, Iowa (ZIP 51549) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Lemongrass take to grow? +

Lemongrass typically matures in about 100 days from transplanting. In Macedonia, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 23, 2026 plus 100 days.

Should I start Lemongrass indoors or direct sow in Iowa? +

Lemongrass should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Macedonia, that means starting around Saturday, February 14, 2026.

📚 More Lemongrass Planting Guides

🗺️

Lemongrass in Iowa

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 5b Lemongrass Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Macedonia

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Growing Lemongrass in Zone 5b

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Macedonia, 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.