Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a versatile and highly beneficial herb that every home gardener should consider growing.
Not only does it add a refreshing citrusy aroma to your garden, but it also serves as a culinary delight, medicinal powerhouse, and natural pest repellent.
Whether you want to brew fresh herbal tea, add zesty flavor to your dishes, or keep mosquitoes at bay, growing lemongrass is a great choice. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to grow!
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The top benefits of growing lemongrass
- Step-by-step instructions for planting & caring for it
- Harvesting & storing lemongrass
- Common problems & solutions
Why You Should Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass isn’t just a pretty ornamental grass—it has a variety of practical uses that make it a must-have herb in any garden.
1. A Culinary Superstar
Lemongrass is widely used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes. Its citrusy, slightly spicy flavor enhances soups, curries, stir-fries, marinades, and teas.
Common Culinary Uses:
- Flavoring soups (like Thai Tom Yum)
- Adding a citrusy kick to curries
- Making refreshing herbal teas & infusions
- Creating marinades for meats & seafood
2. A Natural Pest Repellent
Lemongrass contains citronella oil, a well-known natural mosquito repellent. Planting it in your garden helps keep mosquitoes, flies, and other pests away from your outdoor space.
How to Use It as a Repellent:
- Crush fresh leaves and rub on your skin
- Boil lemongrass leaves and use the infused water as a natural spray
- Grow it near patios, doorways, or outdoor seating areas
3. A Medicinal Powerhouse
Lemongrass has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its many health benefits.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass:
- Boosts immunity & fights infections
- Supports digestion & relieves bloating
- Reduces stress & anxiety when brewed as tea
- May lower blood pressure & cholesterol
- Has antibacterial & antifungal properties
4. Easy to Grow & Maintain
Lemongrass is low-maintenance, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. It thrives in warm climates but can also be grown in containers for easy overwintering in colder regions.
Growing Benefits:
- Drought-resistant
- Low maintenance
- Grows quickly & produces year-round in warm climates
- Can be grown in pots indoors or outdoors
How to Grow Lemongrass: Step-by-Step Guide
Lemongrass is a tropical plant, meaning it loves sun, warmth, and well-draining soil.
Whether you’re growing it from stalks, seeds, or transplants, follow these simple steps to ensure healthy growth.
1. Choosing the Right Lemongrass Variety
There are two common types of lemongrass:
- Cymbopogon citratus – Best for culinary use (milder & tastier)
- Cymbopogon flexuosus – Used mainly for essential oils
If you want edible lemongrass, go for Cymbopogon citratus!
2. Growing Lemongrass from Stalks (The Easiest Method!)
If you have fresh lemongrass stalks from a grocery store or market, you can propagate them in water.
Step-by-Step: Rooting Lemongrass in Water
- Buy fresh lemongrass stalks with intact bases
- Remove outer leaves & trim the tops
- Place stalks in a glass of water (covering the bottom 2 inches)
- Keep in a sunny window (6-8 hours of sunlight)
- Change the water every 2 days
- In 1-2 weeks, roots will start forming
- Once roots are at least 1 inch long, transplant into soil
3. Growing Lemongrass in Soil
Lemongrass grows best in warm, well-draining soil. If you’re planting directly in the garden, choose a sunny location.
Planting Instructions:
- Soil: Light, well-draining soil (sandy or loamy)
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
- Watering: Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged
- Temperature: Prefers 70°F+ (can tolerate 50°F but stops growing in cold)
- Spacing: Plant 2-3 feet apart (they grow bushy!)
4. Growing Lemongrass in Containers
If you live in colder climates, you can grow lemongrass in pots and bring it indoors in winter.
Container Growing Tips:
- Use a large pot (at least 12 inches deep & wide)
- Fill with well-draining potting mix
- Keep in a sunny window or greenhouse in winter
- Water once soil dries out slightly (but don’t overwater!)
- Move back outside when temperatures are above 50°F
5. Caring for Your Lemongrass
Once your lemongrass is established, it’s very low maintenance. Here’s how to keep it thriving:
Watering – Water regularly, but avoid soggy soil
Fertilizing – Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during active growth
Pruning – Trim dead or dry leaves to keep the plant healthy
Dividing – Every 2-3 years, dig up and divide clumps to prevent overcrowding
Overwintering Tip: If you live in cold zones (below USDA Zone 9), bring your potted lemongrass indoors during winter. You can also cut it back and mulch heavily to protect the roots.
Harvesting & Storing Lemongrass
You can start harvesting lemongrass once it reaches 12 inches tall.
How to Harvest:
- Use a sharp knife or shears to cut the thick stalks at the base
- Leave at least 2 inches of the plant to keep it growing
- Use fresh stalks immediately, or store them
How to Store Lemongrass:
- Refrigerator – Store fresh stalks in a plastic bag (lasts up to 2 weeks)
- Freezer – Chop stalks & freeze in airtight containers (lasts 6 months)
- Drying – Hang stems to dry, then store in jars for teas & seasonings
Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing Leaves → Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
✅ Solution: Let soil dry slightly before watering again
Pests (Aphids, Spider Mites) → Cause: Dry air or stressed plants
✅ Solution: Use neem oil or spray with soapy water
No Growth? → Cause: Cold temperatures or lack of sunlight
✅ Solution: Move to a warmer & sunnier location
Lemongrass is an amazing herb that’s easy to grow, incredibly useful, and highly rewarding.
Whether you want fresh culinary herbs, natural remedies, or a mosquito repellent, this plant is a must-have in any garden.
