Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass in the tropical garden

Lemongrass is a large, sharp-edged grass native to tropical Asia and Australia. The plant grows in a clumping, fountain-like fashion and can reach 4 – 5 feet tall and 6 feet across. It is called Lemongrass because of its lemon-like fragrance and flavor. It is used in a variety of southeast Asian dishes as well as in teas, soaps and oils.

Culture & Care

Needs sun or sun/shade for at least 5 hours a day. A perennial in USDA zones 10 and 11, with some protection from frost in the winter, it will also get through the winter in zone 9 (where I live), no problem. In other USDA zones it can be grown outside as an annual.

As a tropical plant, it does best with frequent watering though I’ve also grown it with only a weekly drip watering as well (good mulch is key). Any decently drained soil is fine. The plant has no special nutrition or care requirements.

It can be cut back multiple times during the growing season with no adverse effect.

Propagation

In mid-fall (October-November) you can cut the plant back hard, dig it out and divide the clumps. As long as there is a bit of root at the base of the clump, you can take it indoors for the winter, or re-plant elsewhere in the garden (protected area if you’re not in zones 10 or 11).

Pests

In my experience it has no pests. Insects don’t seem to like the leaves, and burrowing rodents like ground squirrels and gophers won’t eat it.