How to Grow Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon flexuosus
Lemon grass is a vibrant, aromatic herb prized for its citrusy scent and culinary versatility. Gardeners cultivate it primarily to infuse dishes with fresh flavor or to create fragrant teas and natural insect repellents around the home.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Lemon Grass: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Lemon Grass is not usually started indoors.
Do not start indoors before frost; instead, sow seeds directly outdoors only after all risk of freezing has completely passed and soil temperatures are warm enough for growth.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, ensuring consistent moisture is available. Because this tender perennial thrives in warm conditions, start seeds indoors only after all danger of frost has passed or wait to sow directly outdoors once nights are reliably mild. Press seeds gently into the surface without covering them deeply, as they require light for germination within 14 to 21 days.
Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow ample airflow and room for their tall growth habit. Provide full sun exposure daily and maintain high moisture levels, watering regularly since the plant demands consistent hydration. Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture while keeping roots cool during hot summer months.
Watch for aphids, spider mites, and scale insects, which can be managed by spraying with water or using insecticidal soap if infestations occur. Rust and leaf spot may appear in humid conditions; improve air circulation to prevent these issues. Harvest the aromatic stalks 75 to 85 days after planting when they reach full size for cooking or drying.
When to Plant Lemon Grass
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for Lemon Grass
✓ Good companions
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and basil benefits from lemongrass pest-repelling prope…
Lemongrass provides wind protection for cilantro while both attract beneficial insects
Similar sun and drainage needs, both repel moths, fleas, and mosquitoes
Both plants repel mosquitoes and other flying insects, creating a pest-free zone
Both are aromatic herbs that repel ants and rodents when planted together
Lemongrass deters aphids and spider mites that commonly affect pepper plants
Compatible Mediterranean herbs with similar water and sun requirements, both repel insects
Lemongrass repels aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that commonly attack tomatoes
✗ Keep away from
Allelopathic compounds from lemongrass can inhibit nitrogen fixation in legumes
Lemongrass roots can inhibit carrot root development and compete for nutrients
Lemongrass creates too much shade and its strong root system competes with shallow lettuce roots
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
