Lemongrass Growing Guide
Growing Lemongrass is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Herb
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Tender
Cold Hardiness
Survives to 0°C
Plant Family
Poaceae
Growing Season
Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Perennial
Also grows well as
How to Start It
★ Recommended for beginners
Stand a few fresh lemongrass stalks (with the base intact) in a glass of water on a warm windowsill. Roots appear in 1–2 weeks; once they're a few cm long, pot them up.
Lemongrass almost never sets seed in cool climates, so it's grown from divisions or rooted stalks. In any zone below about 9 it's treated as a tender plant — grow it in a pot and bring it indoors before frost.
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
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Last Chance to Plant
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When should you plant Lemongrass?
Your planting dates depend on your local climate. Sign up and add your location to unlock personalized dates.
Your Lemongrass Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Lemongrass's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Growing Tips
- 1Lemongrass loves heat, sun, rich soil and plenty of water.
- 2In cold zones grow it in a big pot and overwinter it in a bright, frost-free spot — cut it back to about 15 cm first.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
100 cm
Mature Height
60 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
When to Pick
Cut outer stalks once they're pencil-thick; harvest through the warm season
How to Harvest
- 1Snap or cut whole stalks from the outside of the clump at ground level once they're at least as thick as a pencil.
- 2Peel back the tough outer layers and use the tender white base.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
Seed Production
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