Photo: "More Than Enough Lemongrass (for Jay's Cooking)" by Dennis Sylvester Hurd · CC BY 4.0

Herb · Tender-tropical

Lemongrass

Poaceae

Fast-growing tropical grass reaching 2-6 feet in a single season. True perennial ONLY zones 10-11. Zone 9 borderline with protection. Zones 4a-8b must dig up before first frost and overwinter indoors. Rarely flowers in cooler climates. Can root bare stalks from grocery store in water. Lemon-citrus flavor essential in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

75–100 days

Sun

6+ hours

6+ hours full sun

Spacing

24–36 "

Container

Yes

5+ gallon pot

Height

2–6 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Optimal Temp 75°F

Watering

Weekly Water 1.5–2 "

Needs High

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Moist, rich, well-drained

Resilience

Heat: Very-high Cold: Very-low Drought: Low

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Harvest

Stalks 2.5+ inches long, 1+ inch wide at base.

Sources

horticultural Savvy Gardening — Lemongrass horticultural Bonnie Plants — Lemongrass

More Herbs

Lemongrass Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Lemongrass vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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