75-85days to harvest
14-21days to germinate
Z8–11USDA zones
Easy to moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start from divisions or nursery plants. Can grow from seed but germination is slow. Plant after soil warms to 65°F.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
High, consistent moisture required
Soil
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
24-36 inches
Height
2-4 feet
Season
Tender Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Blue-green to gray-green grass-like foliage
Size
Large clumping grass with thick stems
Shape
Fountain-like clumps with arching blade-like leaves
Flavour
Bright, intense lemon citrus with subtle ginger notes

In the kitchen

Thai curries, Vietnamese pho, herbal teas, marinades, Asian stir-fries, infusions

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, spider mites, scale insects
Diseases
Rust, leaf spot in high humidity
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may develop rust in humid conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
8February – MarchApril – May—May – December
9January – FebruaryMarch – April—April – December
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December
11JanuaryJanuary – March—March – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesLemongrass repels aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that commonly attack tomatoes
BasilBoth herbs have similar growing requirements and basil benefits from lemongrass pest-repelling properties
RosemaryCompatible Mediterranean herbs with similar water and sun requirements, both repel insects
MarigoldsBoth plants repel mosquitoes and other flying insects, creating a pest-free zone
CilantroLemongrass provides wind protection for cilantro while both attract beneficial insects
PeppersLemongrass deters aphids and spider mites that commonly affect pepper plants
MintBoth are aromatic herbs that repel ants and rodents when planted together
LavenderSimilar sun and drainage needs, both repel moths, fleas, and mosquitoes

Avoid

CarrotsLemongrass roots can inhibit carrot root development and compete for nutrients
LettuceLemongrass creates too much shade and its strong root system competes with shallow lettuce roots
BeansAllelopathic compounds from lemongrass can inhibit nitrogen fixation in legumes

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
22
Protein (g)
0.35
Fat (g)
0.24
Carbohydrate (g)
6.9
Fibre (g)
0.3
Sugars (g)
2.52
Vitamin A (µg)
0
Vitamin C (mg)
38.7
Vitamin E (mg)
0.15
Vitamin K (µg)
0
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.046
Folate (µg)
20
Calcium (mg)
6
Iron (mg)
0.08
Magnesium (mg)
6
Phosphorus (mg)
8
Potassium (mg)
103
Zinc (mg)
0.05
Selenium (µg)
0.1

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Lemon Grass?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Lemon Grass suits these too.

Browse all 104 herbs