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herb
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
EdibleMedicinalDrought Tolerant
Edible Partsstems, leaves
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.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones9 — 11
Height1.2m
Spread0.8m
Growth HabitGraminoid
LifespanPerennial
Pollinator Valuenone
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
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.
