Dreaming of tropical flavors but live far from palm trees and sandy beaches? You don’t need to live near the equator to enjoy fresh lemongrass. This zesty, citrus-scented herb is surprisingly easy to grow—even in cooler climates—and offers a delicious addition to your meals, teas, and wellness routines.
Used widely in Southeast Asian cuisine, lemongrass adds a bright, citrusy punch to soups, curries, teas, and more. It’s also been used in traditional herbal medicine as a gentle sedative, antimicrobial, and antifungal remedy. Bonus: lemongrass tea is a simple, natural way to soothe a lingering cough.
While fresh lemongrass can be expensive at specialty markets, the good news is you can grow it yourself at home. Whether you’re planting in your backyard, patio, or even on a sunny windowsill, here’s everything you need to know.
When & Where to Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass thrives in warm, sunny climates and is perennial in tropical zones. If you live in a colder region, don’t worry—you can still grow it as an annual outdoors in summer or year-round indoors in containers.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sun: Full sun (6+ hours a day)
- Soil: Rich, loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0–7.8
- Temperature: Prefers warm temps and doesn’t tolerate frost
How to Start Lemongrass
From Seed:
- Fill seed trays or pots with quality potting mix.
- Sprinkle seeds and cover with about 1/8 inch of soil.
- Keep soil warm (a heat mat can help) and moist until seedlings appear.
- Thin the seedlings once they’re a few inches tall to prevent crowding.
From Grocery Store Stalks:
- Look for fresh lemongrass with a bulbous white base.
- Trim off the leaves and peel away any tough outer layers.
- Place the stalks in a jar of water near a sunny window.
- Within 1–2 weeks, roots will begin to grow.
- When roots are 1–2 inches long, transplant into soil.
Growing Lemongrass in Containers
Don’t have garden space? No problem. Lemongrass grows beautifully in pots indoors or on patios.
- Choose a large, well-draining pot.
- Use organic potting soil and transplant rooted stalks or seedlings.
- Place in the sunniest spot you can find—lemongrass loves light!
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Your lemongrass may not grow as large indoors, but you’ll still get plenty of usable stalks.
Planting Lemongrass Outdoors
Once your risk of frost has passed, it’s time to move lemongrass to the garden.
- Pick a sunny, sheltered spot protected from strong winds.
- Enrich your soil with compost.
- Space each plant at least 3 feet apart—they get bushy!
- Dig a hole just deep enough to cover the roots up to the bulb.
- Backfill with soil and press gently to secure the plant.
- Water deeply after transplanting to help it settle in.
Watering & Feeding
Lemongrass is a thirsty and nitrogen-hungry plant.
- Water consistently, especially in hot weather.
- Mist young plants for extra hydration.
- Feed with an organic nitrogen-rich fertilizer monthly.
- Trim stalks once they reach 3 feet tall to keep plants manageable.
Companion Planting & Garden Design
Lemongrass pairs well with many herbs and helps repel pests thanks to its fragrant oils.
Great companions:
- Basil
- Mint
- Cilantro
- Thyme
You can even grow low-growing herbs in the same pot if space allows.
Pests & Common Issues
Lemongrass is naturally pest-resistant, but a few issues may still arise:
- Leaf Blight: Watch for rust-colored spots or wilting. Remove affected leaves and treat with a natural fungicide.
- Cats: Some cats love munching on lemongrass. Consider elevating containers or using deterrents.
Harvesting Lemongrass
You can start harvesting lemongrass when plants are 1 foot tall (usually 4–8 months old).
- Cut stalks just below the white, swollen base.
- Use fresh in teas, curries, or broths.
- Harvest every 3–4 months—healthy plants will keep producing for years.
- To store, dry stalks in a cool, dark place or freeze them whole. Dried lemongrass can last up to a year.
Saving Seeds & Propagating
Lemongrass rarely flowers and doesn’t always produce seeds, so propagation is the go-to method. Just divide mature plants at the root to create new ones.
Choosing the Right Type
There are two main varieties of lemongrass:
- West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): The most common culinary type with a sweet lemon aroma.
- East Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus): Slightly taller, with purple-tinged stems. Often used for essential oils and equally flavorful.
Pro Tips for Lemongrass Success
- Divide crowded plants every year or two to keep them thriving.
- Overwinter indoors if you want to keep a perennial going in colder climates.
- Cut back dead leaves after the first frost to preserve energy.
With a little sun, water, and care, lemongrass will reward you with fragrant stalks and leaves for months to come. Whether you’re steeping it in tea or stirring it into soup, this tropical treasure is worth growing—no matter where you live.