Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass is a heirloom herb variety (Cymbopogon flexuosus). Harvest begins around day 75-85; seed germinates in 14-21 days. Set plants 24-36 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-7.0, zones 8-11, full sun (6+ hours). Plants reach 2-4 feet. It will crop in a container.
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
| Zone | Start indoors | Transplant | Direct sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | February – March | April – May | — | May – December |
| 9 | January – February | March – April | — | April – December |
| 10 | January | February – April | — | April – December |
| 11 | January | January – March | — | March – December |
Companion planting
8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.
Avoid
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.
Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.
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.