Lemongrass

An easily grown perennial herb, essential to Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. It is also used to add lemon flavor to herbal teas or chopped finely in soups, sauces and desserts. It will grow to 2-3' tall and spreads by numerous shoots sprouting from the base of the clump. It loves heat and summer sun and can tolerate drought but can be killed by freezing temperatures. Since it does well in a pot, Northerners can grow it outside spring through fall and just cut the top growth back and bring the pot in for the winter.

SELECT YOUR KIT

PLANT ONLY:

$0.00

POTTING ESSENTIALS KIT:

$69.99

COMPLETE GROWER KIT:

$154.99

Plant Only + Complimentaries

Lemongrass-Shrubb-
This kit includes: 1 Lemongrass seedling, 1 bag of rice hulls (for pest and weed protection), 1 plant tag

Lemongrass + Potting Essentials Kit

Lemongrass-Shrubb-
This kit includes: 1 Lemongrass seedling, 1 Veradek Mason Kona Planter, 1 bag of Shrubb Signature Potting Mix, 1 shaker of Organic Plant Magic Plant Food, 1 bag of rice hulls (for pest and weed protection), 1 plant tag

Lemongrass + Complete Grower Kit

Lemongrass-Shrubb-
This kit includes: 1 Lemongrass seedling, 1 Veradek Mason Kona Planter, 1 bag of Shrubb Signature Potting Mix, 1 shaker of Organic Plant Magic Plant Food, 1 bag of rice hulls (for pest and weed protection), 1 large potting mat, 1 pair of pruning shears, 1 gardening journal, 1 plant tag

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Where do I grow best?

How to care for me:

Full-Sun

Lemongrass thrives in full sunlight and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. South-facing or west-facing balconies and patios typically guarantee the best growth. Adequate sunlight ensures robust growth and enhances the plant's aromatic qualities. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even light exposure on all sides.

Water

Lemongrass is native to southeast Asia, and therefore is happy in hot and humid conditions. Potted lemongrass plants require consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every few days, adjusting the frequency based on factors like temperature, humidity, and pot size. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot, but ensure adequate hydration to support healthy growth and rhizome development.

Soil Nutrients

Lemongrass loves soil that is very rich with organic matter, and therefore is happy with light but frequent fertilization. Give your plant a small amount of fertilizer with each watering throughout the entire growing season. That being said, do not administer too much fertilizer at a time, or your plant will produce excessive foliage at the expense of essential oils (which is the part of the plant that provides it’s great taste and fragrance!)

Dormancy

Lemongrass does not go into a true dormancy but will slow down its growth in cooler temperatures. In colder climates, bring the plant indoors before the first frost and place it in a sunny, warm spot. During winter, reduce watering and fertilization slightly, but maintain enough light and warmth to keep the plant healthy. Trim any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth in spring.

Harvest

Harvest lemongrass by cutting the stalks at the base when they are at least half an inch thick. For the best flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and keeps the plant bushy. Use the harvested stalks fresh or freeze them for later use.

Pests and Disease

Lemongrass is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. Ensure proper air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases, and avoid overwatering to reduce the risk of root rot and other moisture-related issues. Pests and disease often vary greatly by region, but in terms of insects, neem oil can combat many problems. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your plant and the problem, and we'll do our best to identify it and suggest more specific solutions!

Growing in Less Ideal Climates

While the region indicated on the map above specifies where this plant grows best, the virtue of growing plants in pots is that, with a little elbow grease, you can create your own environment. These are our tips for anyone attempting to grow alpine strawberries in other climates.

Colder Regions

If you are interested in growing lemongrass in a colder climate, we suggest you keep it indoors year round, or at least during any time when the outside temperature is lower than your average indoor temperature. Keep it in a well-lit room, near a bright window.

Hotter Regions

Lemongrass is a tropical plant, and so does very well in high-heat. That being said, tropical plants also love humidity! If you think your region is hot enough to grow ginger, but you are concerned about the humidity, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure to always keep it a little extra moist, and in slightly shadier areas. You may also consider misting your lemongrass regularly to help its leaves retain moisture. If you keep it indoors year-round, places like bathrooms often run more-humid than the rest of the house, and can be a good place to keep them if sunlight allows.