Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Perennial
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Tender

Lemongrass is fairly tender and is often grown as an indoor plant or summer annual in the temperate north.

Crops
Spring Transplant
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Warm, Hot, Long days

Plant prefers full sun and fast-draining soil.

Lemongrass will only survive outside during winter as long as the minimum winter temperature is 45˚

Outdoor Growing Temp
65°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
65°F

Plant out when the soil temperature is at least 65˚ F.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
No
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)

Plant lemongrass in a sunny part of the garden.

Water
High

Native to tropical climates, Lemongrass thrives in humid conditions, and needs a lot of water. Using a mister on the plants in arid climates is beneficial. Requires an average of 24 - 30" of water in a year. With it's shallow roots it's more beneficial to water more often than to water deeply.

Feeder
Moderate

Most grasses need lots of nitrogen rich fertilizer during the peak of the growing season. Feeding weekly with compost tea will greatly increase productivity during warmer months.

Suitability
High heat, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?
No
Containers?
Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel

Like most plants grown in containers, Lemongrass needs to be watered regularly, as containers left in the sun dry rapidly, especially in hotter climates. If you're climate gets too cold in the winter, you can grow it in a container and bring it indoors for the winter.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Green
Fruit Size
- "
Plant Height
12.0 - 72.0"
Plant Diameter
12.0 - 72.0"
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Disease Resistance
-
Taste Profile

Nice lemon flavor with a hint of ginger.

Rotation Group
Perennial