Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Lemongrass
Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones about 9–11 as a perennial. In colder zones grow as an annual or overwinter in containers. Frost causes dieback and winter death in colder areas
Typical Height: 3–5 ft (90–150 cm)
Typical Spread: 2–4 ft (60–120 cm) clump size from rhizome expansion
Bloom Period: Late summer to fall in warm climates, often inconspicuous
Soil Preferences: Fertile, well drained soil. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH and moist but not waterlogged conditions. Poor drainage can cause root rot
Light Preferences: Full sun to light shade. Best growth and oil aroma in full sun
Toxicity: Used as a culinary herb and generally edible. Concentrated essential oil can irritate skin and be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities
Propagation: Division of clumps and planting rooted slips. Seeds are rarely used in home cultivation

Key Facts

A tall aromatic grass with a lemon scent used fresh in cooking and teas
Forms clumping stands that arise from short rhizomes
Typically grown as a tender perennial in warm climates or as an annual elsewhere
Prefers full sun and fertile, well drained soil
Commonly propagated by division or planting rooted slips
Used for its essential oil which can be irritating in concentrated form
Can be frost tender and may die back or be killed by hard freezes

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall aromatic grass used fresh in cooking and teas, prized for citrusy leaves and stout stalks. It forms clumping stands from short rhizomes and is frost tender, functioning as a perennial in warm areas and as an annual or container plant where freezes occur.

Identification

Clumps of narrow upright leaves form dense tufts that commonly reach three to five feet tall in good conditions. Stems are stout and have a lemon scent when bruised. Plants expand slowly by short rhizomes into a 2 to 4 foot clump rather than running long distances.

Best uses and where to grow

Grow lemongrass for fresh culinary use, teas and informal screening where a tall grass fits the border. It performs best in warm, sunny beds with good drainage and in containers for patios and kitchens. In cooler climates keep it potted to bring indoors before frost.

Planting time and spacing

Set plants outdoors after all danger of hard frost has passed. Space clumps about 2 to 4 feet apart to allow full development of the rhizome formed clump. Use healthy divisions or rooted slips rather than seed for faster establishment and true to type plants.

Soil and light

Plant in fertile, well drained soil that stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. Lemongrass prefers full sun for strongest leaf aroma and best growth, though it tolerates light shade. Improve poor soils with organic matter and avoid sites that pond water to prevent root decline.

Watering and common problems

Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season to maintain plump stalks and strong fragrance. Overly wet, poorly drained soil leads to root rot and rapid decline. Frost causes dieback or plant loss in cooler climates, so protect or move containers indoors if freezes are expected.

Propagation and division

Propagate by dividing established clumps or transplanting rooted slips for reliable, true to type plants. Division is best done in spring when new growth begins. Dividing controls clump size and refreshes vigor if a stand becomes woody or sparse at the center.

Containers and overwintering

Container culture is ideal in regions with cold winters. Use a deep pot and rich, free draining potting mix and move plants indoors or into a frost free space before the first freeze. Trim back and reduce watering during winter while plants are dormant indoors.

Control and spread

Lemongrass forms clumping stands from short rhizomes and does not aggressively invade like running grasses. Control spread by dividing clumps and removing unwanted shoots. Containment in pots or raised beds prevents naturalizing in cooler areas where it might self seed.

Safety and culinary use

Leaves and stalks are commonly used fresh in cooking and herbal teas for their citrus character. Concentrated essential oil can be irritating to skin in small quantities, so handle concentrated extracts with care. Check local pet poison resources for specific guidance on animal exposure.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Lemongrass grow?: Lemongrass grows vigorously in warm, sunny conditions and commonly reaches three to five feet tall in a single growing season when provided with rich soil and regular moisture.
Can I grow Lemongrass indoors?: Yes. Grow it in a deep container with fertile potting mix and place in a bright window. Bring plants indoors before frost in cooler climates and reduce water in winter.
How should I water Lemongrass?: Keep soil evenly moist during active growth. Avoid standing water because poorly drained soils cause root rot and plant decline.
When should I divide Lemongrass?: Divide clumps in spring as new growth starts to refresh vigor and control clump size. Use healthy divisions or rooted slips for planting.
How far apart should I plant Lemongrass?: Allow two to four feet between clumps so each plant can develop its full 2 to 4 foot diameter without crowding.