How to grow and care for lemongrass

What you need to know about lemongrass

Name: lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon sp.

Height: 70–90cm.

Foliage: perennial long, strap-like grassy foliage.

Climate: native to tropical and sub-tropical climates, but will also grow well in warm temperate, arid/semi-arid and even cold temperate climates, as long as it is protected from frost. 

Soil: prefers deep, free-draining soil enriched with compost and decomposed manure. 

Position: full sun.

Feeding: apply a fish-based liquid fertiliser in late spring and again in early autumn.

Watering: water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. 

Appearance and characteristics

Lemongrass is a clump-forming perennial grass commonly grown for the strong citrus-like flavour in the swollen stem-base. Grown for its culinary attributes, lemongrass is also a valuable ornamental grass in gardens and pots, although be careful of planting it in high-traffic areas, especially if you have children, as the leaves are very sharp.

Uses for lemongrass

Lemongrass is commonly used as a culinary herb in Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, as well as Thai curry pastes, soups and even herbal teas. 

Reputed to have medicinal and aromatherapy benefits, including muscle pain and headache relief, lemongrass is also used as a scent in cosmetics. 

Not just suited to the vegie patch, this decorative grass can also be incorporated into the garden, grown around a pond or water feature, or planted in pots. 

How to plant and grow lemongrass

Lemongrass is usually available in a small pot, ready for planting after all likelihood of frost has past. 

1. Improve the soil with compost and decomposed manure prior to planting. 
2. Plant at the same level as it was in the pot, with the crown (bulk of roots) just below the soil surface. 
3. Water well and mulch to reduce water loss and weed competition.

Growing lemongrass in pots

1. Select a pot that is vase-shaped (does not curve back in at the top). Lemongrass is a clumping grass which will grow to fill the pot, and it would be impossible to transplant from a curved pot.
2. Always use a premium potting mix.

Caring for lemongrass

Lemongrass is easy to grow, especially in areas with dry winters and wet summers. In colder areas with wet winters, protect from frost with a generous mound of mulch at the end of autumn. Do not water if the soil is wet. If growing in pots, plants should be moved to a more protected position to avoid the extremes of winter. 

Water regularly during dry weather and apply a fish-based liquid fertiliser in late spring and again in early autumn. A seaweed solution applied at planting and again at the beginning of each season will help keep your lemongrass productive and healthy.

Harvesting and storing lemongrass

• You can start harvesting the plant once it is about a foot tall.
• Cut or break off the biggest stalks as close to the ground as possible.
• Save leaves to dry or freeze, or use the tender part of the stalk in recipes.

Pruning lemongrass

To encourage new growth, cut back by half in late winter or early spring when any likelihood of frost has passed.

Diseases and pests

Due to the lemony essential oils in the foliage, lemongrass is usually pest-free. In cold damp soils, powdery mildew can be an issue. If found, spray with an organic fungicide.

How to propagate lemongrass

Propagate by division in late spring and summer while the plant is growing actively. This will help it to bounce back quickly after dividing. 

1. Dig up the entire clump and separate into 2–4 sections, depending on the size of your lemongrass. 
2. Make sure each section to be transplanted has roots attached. 
3. This type of propagation should be done every 3–4 years to keep plants healthy and to remove old, unproductive and unsightly growth.

Safety tip

After applying fertiliser, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, always read the label, follow the instructions carefully and wear suitable protective equipment. Store all garden chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.

If you like this then try

Garlic: a universal culinary favourite that is super easy to grow at home.

Ginger: an easy to grow rhizome that complements Asian cuisine. 

Horseradish: a spicy rhizome that’s easy to grow and is often used as a substitute for wasabi.

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