🌱 How to Grow Lemongrass: Complete Step-by-Step Gardening Guide
🌱 How I Grow Lemongrass Successfully in My Garden 🍋
Lemongrass has quickly become one of my favourite plants to grow. Its fresh, citrusy aroma fills my garden with a calming fragrance, and I love knowing that the leaves and stalks I harvest can be used in so many ways—teas, soups, curries, even homemade skincare and natural pest repellents. Over the years, I’ve learned that lemongrass is not only versatile and useful, but also surprisingly easy to grow. Whether you have a large backyard, a raised bed, or a few pots on a balcony, you can enjoy lush, green clumps of lemongrass year-round. Here’s how I do it. 🌿
🌿 Why I Always Grow Lemongrass
For me, lemongrass isn’t just a pretty plant—it’s a multi-purpose wonder:
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Culinary Treasure 🍲: I love using the citrusy stalks in curries, soups, teas, marinades, and even homemade sauces. Fresh lemongrass adds a brightness that dried spices just can’t match.
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Medicinal Properties 💊: I brew lemongrass tea almost daily. It helps me relax, eases digestion, and gives me a natural immunity boost during cold season.
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Natural Insect Repellent 🦟: One of my favourite things about lemongrass is how it keeps mosquitoes and other pests away without chemicals. I sometimes crush leaves around seating areas to enjoy evenings outdoors.
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Aesthetic Appeal 🌸: Those tall, graceful blades bring life and movement to my garden beds. Even when I’m not harvesting, they make the garden look elegant and lush.
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Low Maintenance 🌱: Lemongrass is hardy, fast-growing, and forgiving, which makes it perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners like me.
☀️ Best Growing Conditions – What I’ve Learned Works
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial, so warmth, sunlight, and consistent moisture are key. Here’s how I create ideal conditions:
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Sunlight 🌞: I make sure my lemongrass gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. In spots that get morning sun, it grows extra tender and fragrant.
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Soil 🌱: Well-draining soil rich in compost works best. I often mix in sandy loam or aged compost for healthy growth. Lemongrass doesn’t like soggy roots, so good drainage is a must.
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Temperature 🔥: Lemongrass thrives between 20°C–30°C (68°F–86°F). In colder months, I bring my potted plants indoors to protect them.
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Moisture 💧: I water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Deep watering every 2–3 days during hot weather keeps the plants lush and green.
🌱 How I Plant Lemongrass
I’ve found that lemongrass grows beautifully whether started from cuttings or seeds, though I usually prefer cuttings because they root faster.
🌿 From Cuttings:
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I buy fresh stalks from a nursery or grocery store.
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I trim the tops and place the stalks in a glass of water.
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I keep them in a sunny window, and in 1–2 weeks, roots appear.
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Once roots are about 1–2 inches long, I transplant them into soil, spacing them about 24 inches apart.
🌱 From Seeds:
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I sow seeds in a tray filled with moist soil.
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I lightly cover them and keep them warm.
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Germination usually takes 10–14 days. I then transfer seedlings to larger pots or garden beds once they’re strong enough.
🌿 Outdoors or in Pots:
For garden beds, I space plants about 24 inches apart to allow spreading. For pots, I use containers at least 12–14 inches wide with good drainage holes. Container-grown lemongrass is great because I can move it indoors during winter or extreme weather.
💧 Watering and Care Tips – How I Keep My Lemongrass Happy
Lemongrass is fairly low-maintenance, but these practices make a huge difference:
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Watering 💦: I water deeply 2–3 times per week in hot weather. I make sure the soil is evenly moist, never allowing it to dry out completely.
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Mulching 🍂: A layer of straw or compost around the base conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps roots cool.
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Feeding 🌿: Every 4–6 weeks, I add a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to encourage lush, leafy growth. I also occasionally side-dress with compost for a natural boost.
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Pruning ✂️: I remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly and divide clumps yearly to keep plants vigorous.
✂️ Harvesting Lemongrass – My Routine
Harvesting lemongrass is easy and satisfying. I wait until stalks are at least 12 inches tall and thick at the base. Using a sharp knife, I cut the stalks close to the soil. I use the white base for cooking and the green tops for teas, mulching, or composting. Regular harvesting keeps the plants healthy and encourages new growth. I always make sure to leave a few stalks behind so the plant can continue thriving.
🐞 Common Pests and Problems
Lemongrass is naturally resistant to most pests, but sometimes issues arise:
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Aphids 🐜: I spray neem oil or a mild soapy water solution.
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Rust Fungus 🍂: If I spot orange spots, I remove the affected stalks immediately.
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Root Rot 💧: I avoid overwatering and make sure pots and garden beds drain well.
Overall, lemongrass stays low-maintenance and problem-free most of the time, which is why I always recommend it to beginners.
🌞 Extra Growing Tips I Swear By
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I grow lemongrass in containers so I can move them indoors during winter.
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Dividing clumps every 1–2 years refreshes the soil and prevents overcrowding.
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I use companion planting—lemongrass helps repel pests from nearby vegetables.
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In colder climates, I cut stalks low and bring pots inside to protect them from frost.
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Propagating is easy—sharing divisions with friends helps expand my herb garden.
🍋 Amazing Uses of Lemongrass
Lemongrass isn’t just for the garden—it’s a kitchen, health, and home powerhouse:
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Cooking 🍛: Essential in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes. I add stalks to curries and soups for a natural citrus flavour.
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Tea ☕: Fresh or dried leaves make a soothing herbal infusion. I often drink lemongrass tea before bed to relax.
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Essential Oils 🌿: Used in skincare, massage, and aromatherapy.
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Natural Cleaner 🧼: Infusing leaves in water makes a refreshing household spray.
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Insect Repellent 🦟: I crush leaves and rub lightly on my skin or use in diffusers to keep mosquitoes away.
🌟 Final Thoughts – Why I Keep Lemongrass in My Garden
For me, lemongrass is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow. It’s simple to care for, highly versatile, and provides a fresh supply of stalks all year. From its delightful fragrance to its culinary, medicinal, and practical uses, I couldn’t imagine my garden without it.
Once established, lemongrass keeps giving—fresh stalks for cooking, aromatic leaves for teas, and natural protection for the garden. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance but high-reward plant, lemongrass is at the top of my list. I hope this guide inspires you to start your own lemongrass journey. With a little sun, water, and care, you’ll enjoy its citrusy goodness in your garden and kitchen for years to come. 🌱🍋
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