Lemongrass is capable of surviving winter, but it is important to consider its frost-tender nature. Lemongrass is actually a perennial grass, meaning it can live for multiple years. However, its ability to withstand cold temperatures is limited.
In regions with mild winters and USDA Zones 10-11, where the weather remains relatively warm throughout the year, lemongrass can be considered winter hardy. This means that it can survive and even remain evergreen, meaning it stays green all year round.
On the other hand, in areas with colder climates, lemongrass is not winter hardy and will struggle to survive the winter months. Frost can damage or even kill the plant, as it is not adapted to withstand freezing temperatures.
It is important to note that lemongrass is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm and humid conditions. Therefore, it is more suited for growing in climates where winters are mild and frosts are infrequent.
If you live in a region with cold winters, you have a few options to help your lemongrass survive. One option is to grow it as an annual plant, meaning you plant it each year and enjoy it during the warmer months. This way, you can harvest the leaves and stalks before the first frost arrives.
Another option is to bring your lemongrass indoors for the winter. You can dig up the plant and transfer it to a pot, placing it in a sunny location indoors. Make sure to provide adequate light, water, and humidity for the plant to thrive. This can be a great way to have fresh lemongrass year-round, even in colder climates.
In my personal experience, I have successfully grown lemongrass in a region with mild winters. The plant remained evergreen and continued to grow throughout the year. However, I have also attempted to grow lemongrass in a colder climate, and unfortunately, the plant did not survive the winter despite my efforts to protect it from frost.
Lemongrass is a frost-tender perennial grass that can survive winter in USDA Zones 10-11 where it remains evergreen. In colder climates, lemongrass is not winter hardy and may require special care or be grown as an annual plant.
