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Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Overview
A tropical grass whose thick, citrusy stalks are essential to Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cuisine. Lemongrass contains citral, the same compound in lemon peel, giving it that distinctive bright, clean flavor. Though tropical, it grows vigorously as an annual in temperate gardens and makes an attractive ornamental grass while providing a continuous harvest of aromatic stalks.
Auto-Generated Reference data assembled from the GAIA botanical database. Verify before medicinal or culinary use.
Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as West Indian lemon grass or simply lemon grass, is a tropical plant native to South Asia and Maritime Southeast Asia and introduced to many tropical regions.
Medicinal
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial graminoid in the Poaceae family. It grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. It reaches 3.9 feet tall with a spread of about 31 inches. Typically found in grasslands & prairies. Blooms from June to August. This plant is both edible and has medicinal properties. Edibility rating: 3 out of 5. Medicinal rating: 4 out of 5. Commonly cultivated in subtropical to tropical.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Grasslands & Prairies
- Native Range
- Native to Indiana; also native to Sri Lanka; introduced in Florida, Hawaii
- Cultivation Region
- Subtropical to tropical
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors from stalks in water; grow as annual north of zone 9 |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost danger; grow in containers to overwinter indoors |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest outer stalks when 12"+ tall; use lower 3-4" of stalk |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost; grow in pots to bring inside |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Twist and pull outer stalks; trim to white base |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant when nights stay above 50°F; annual in zones 5-7 |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Oct | Harvest outer stalks as needed |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Apr — May | Divide clumps in spring; each division needs a bulbous base |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring; perennial in zones 8-9 with mulch |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — Nov | Harvest throughout growing season |
| Warm (8-9) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide established clumps in early spring |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in spring; evergreen perennial in zone 10+ |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest year-round from established clumps |
Uses
Culinary
- Essential in Thai soups (tom yum, tom kha)
- Stalk base sliced for curries and stir-fries
- Brewed as a refreshing herbal tea
Medicinal
- Citral has antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Traditional digestive and fever-reducing tea
- Essential oil used as a natural insect repellent
Other Uses
- Ornamental grass with lemony fragrance when brushed
- Natural mosquito repellent when planted near seating areas
Safety Notes
Leaf edges are sharp and can cut skin. Essential oil may irritate sensitive skin.
