Clumps of lemongrass form from bulbs and feature coarse, wide leaves.
This tropical or subtropical perennial can be grown in the ground, in containers, or even in water.
It’s often grown as an annual in temperate zones.
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Note that this plant is toxic to pets.
To start from seed indoors, sow in flats three weeks before the last frost in yourgrowing zone.
Where to Plant
Choose a spot in full sun with good drainage.
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Lemongrass won’t grow well in clay and needs rich, fertile, loose soil.
The planting technique is similar to planting onion slips.
Set the grass so the bottoms of the bulbs rest just at the soil line, with roots buried.
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Care
Lemongrass grows with abundance in areas where conditions mimic the tropical habitat of their origin.
This popular herb prefers full sunlight, moist but well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Light
Plant lemongrass in an area that getsfull sun, even in hot climates.
At least six hours of direct sun per day will meet the plant’s energy needs.
Plants growing in shade will be sparse and may attract pests.
Soil
Preparerich, loamy soilfor lemongrass.
Create ideal soil by adding organic amendments likecompost,manure, andleaf moldbefore or at planting time.
Water
Water lemongrass once or twice weekly to keep the roots constantly moist.
Lemongrass is not drought-tolerant and requires regular irrigation throughout the growing season.
A 3-inchlayer of mulchconserves soil moisture.
Potted plants may need to be watered daily.
Bring potted plants indoors when temperatures drop below 50F.
Alternatively, supplement nutrients by watering with manure tea or add a nitrogen booster such asblood meal.
A fast-growing plant, lemongrass can withstand harvest when plants are young.
You’ll also want to remove any dead, dried-up leaves with cleanprunersto make way for new growth.
Lemongrass plants rebound quickly and send up new shoots when warm weather returns.
Place the glass in a sunny spot and change the water every few days.
Once roots have emerged and reach 2 to 3 inches in length, transplant into soil.
Press them 1/8 inch deep into a flat filled with sterile potting mix.
Do not cover as these seeds need light to germinate.
Place the flat in a warm sunny location and keep moist until germination occurs.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds in the garden once air temperatures reach 60F.
Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep and one inch apart.
Keep seeds moist until germination occurs in about two weeks.
Thin seedlings to 1 foot apart when they are 3 inches tall.
Use high-qualitycommercial potting soilpremixed with time-released fertilizer.
Repot with fresh potting mix in spring.
Large container plants can be sheared down to 6 inches and kept in a basement or unheated garage.
They won’t need much except an occasional watering.
Bring plants indoors when nighttime temperatures drop below 50F.
Wait to move them back outdoors in spring until after your frost-free date.
Knock downaphidsandspider miteswith a spray from your garden hose or apply horticultural oil for infestation.
In some areas,rust funguscan affect lemongrass plants.
Symptoms include brown spots or streaks on leaves, leading to plant death.
Prevent rust by watering plants at the soil level.
To remove them, you’re able to spray insecticidal soap or treat the plant with neem oil.
Lemongrass is perennial in zones 10 and 11, where it grows continuously in proper health.
In other areas, it can be grown as an annual.
Yes, the essential oil from lemongrass is known to repel insects.
The strong citrusy scent of lemongrass plants may be able to repel mice and rats.
Consider planting lemongrass around your home where mice might be able to enter as part of yourrodent-preventionprogram.
Lemongrass Cymbopogon spp.Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension.
Can Fragrant Plants Help Repel Insects?.
Mississippi State University Extension.
