Lemongrass

Planting lemongrass

Plant divisions or rooted store-bought stalks after the last frost when nights stay warm. It grows fast in heat and stalls below about 50 degrees F.

Planting details

• Forms a clump 2 to 4 feet tall and wide by fall
• Spacing: 24 to 36 inches in the ground
• Container culture makes overwintering indoors simple

Growing requirements

Lemongrass wants full sun, rich soil, and generous water through summer. Unlike most herbs it is a heavy feeder, so regular watering and a little fertilizer pay off in thicker stalks.

Harvesting and care

Harvest outer stalks at the base once they reach pencil thickness; the tender lower few inches are the usable part. Before frost, pot up a division or cut the clump back and overwinter it cool and bright indoors.

Common mistakes

• Planting out before warm nights, which stalls it for weeks
• Letting it dry out, since it is thirstier than most herbs
• Cutting central stalks; always take the outer ones so the clump keeps growing

Companion plants

Give lemongrass its own container or a dedicated corner, since the clump crowds neighbors and its sharp leaf edges make it a poor path-side plant.