How to Grow Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial herb prized for its distinctive citrus fragrance and culinary versatility. Gardeners grow it primarily to harvest fresh stalks for teas, soups, and marinades while enjoying its lush, clumping foliage.
📷 Wikipedia: Cymbopogon citratusStarting Lemongrass: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Lemongrass is not usually started indoors.
Do not transplant lemongrass before the last frost; it must be planted outdoors only after all danger of freezing has passed in your specific tropical or subtropical zone.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Because this is a tropical perennial not suited to cold climates, do not sow seeds near your last frost date; instead, start indoors or buy established plants for warm weather only. Germination takes 7 to 21 days at temperatures above 70°F.
Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart in full sun to promote strong growth. Water moderately to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as lemongrass requires high moisture levels. Apply a light mulch around the base to retain humidity and suppress weeds without smothering the rhizomes.
Lemongrass is generally pest-free in home gardens, though aphids or spider mites may appear if conditions are too dry; maintain moisture to prevent these issues. Harvest stalks when they reach maturity, typically within 100 to 120 days from planting, by cutting the lower leaves and stems just above the soil line.
When to Plant Lemongrass
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
