Why Grow Lemon Grass?

I planted my first lemon grass clump on a whim, after tasting an incredible Thai soup prepared by a friend. One slurp of that vibrant broth, infused generously with fresh stalks, and I knew I had to cultivate my own source.

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) grows quickly, tastes amazing, and lends a citrusy sparkle to an otherwise average garden plot. If you've savored its aromatic touch in cooking, you'll find growing lemon grass at home deeply satisfying and straightforward.

Selecting and Preparing Lemon Grass for Planting

Start by grabbing a few fresh lemon grass stalks from your local farmer’s market or organic grocery store. Check to ensure stalks feel firm and fresh, the bases still intact.

Once home, trim the stalks to about 6 inches (15 cm) in length and remove all dead outer leaves. Place the stalks upright in a jar of water, allowing the lower half to submerge fully.

Within a week or two, white roots appear—this is your cue to pot them up.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Location Matters

Lemon grass thrives in full sun—think at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Find the warmest, sunniest corner of your garden or balcony for best performance.

This plant loves heat; below 40°F (4°C), growth halts, and frost (below 32°F or 0°C) kills it outright. For those facing colder climates, planting in containers works wonders—just move your pots indoors around wintertime.

Soil Selection and Preparation

The easiest part about growing lemon grass—the soil isn't picky. Choose loose, loamy soil with excellent drainage.

I typically blend organic compost or worm castings into potting mix, giving lemon grass a nutrient-rich environment. Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH level 6.0–7.0) helps the plant thrive, says the University of Florida Extension.

Planting and Care: Simple Steps to Flourishing Lemon Grass

1. Transplant gently: After roots reach about 2 inches (5 cm), plant individual stalks 2 feet (60 cm) apart and an inch (2.5 cm) below soil level. Water thoroughly.
2. Water routines: Lemon grass prefers soil consistently moist but never soggy. Keep an eye—you want lightly damp soil, watering whenever the top layer dries out.
3. Feeding the growth: Every six weeks, feed with a balanced, organic fertilizer—preferably one low in phosphorus to encourage lush foliage rather than blooms.
4. Pruning and harvesting: Once your lemon grass reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches (30–60 cm), harvesting fragrant stalks becomes easy. Snap off the outer stalks at ground level, preserving the inner growth.

According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, regularly pruning your lemon grass keeps it tidy and stimulates healthy regrowth, ensuring a continuous supply year-round.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Watch Out for Pests

In my experience, lemon grass rarely attracts troublemakers—but aphids occasionally show interest. A simple stream of water or diluted neem oil spray sends these pests packing swiftly and effectively.

Preventing Diseases

Overwatering invites fungal diseases—particularly root rot. Keeping soil drainage sharp ensures these issues never visit your garden.

If planting in pots, choose ones with plenty of drainage holes and lay down gravel at the bottom for extra protection.

Expanding Your Lemon Grass Adventure

Once you've successfully grown this fragrant grass, propagation becomes addictive. Mature lemon grass crowns can be lifted and divided every few years—expanding your crop or gifting to gardening pals.

After all, the pleasure of cooking with your homegrown aromatic herbs multiplies immensely when shared around a great meal with good friends.

Growing Lemon Grass rewards patience and a little grit. Start with rich soil, keep the roots damp but never soggy, and don’t let the stalks get crowded—lemongrass hates a traffic jam. Plenty of sun keeps those blades sharp and fragrant, while regular trimming gives you fresh supply for the kitchen and encourages bushier growth. Watch for pests, but don’t lose sleep—this hardy plant usually shrugs off trouble.

If you’ve mastered growing lemon grass, consider adding more variety to your herb patch—try your hand at growing thyme or a punchy row of dill. Nothing beats the satisfaction of snipping your own herbs, straight from the source. Good soil, sun, and patience: that’s the real recipe.