Growing Lemongrass

Growing Lemongrass in your yard.

Lemongrass is a tropical herb, hardy only to Zones 8 and warmer. In other regions, grow lemongrass as an annual or in containers that you overwinter indoors. Lemongrass grows quickly and spreads to fill a planting bed or pot. When using too small of a pot, the lemongrass roots will likely break it.
We have lemongrass growing in our yard in several flower beds. I think we have had it growing now for about three years. We live in Zone 8 and the lemongrass is thriving. I just love the smell of lemongrass. To me it has a fresh clean smell.

What is the flavor of lemongrass?

​What Does Lemongrass Look and Taste Like? Lemongrass is easy to identify by its pale yellow-green stalks and aromatic citrus scent. It has a resemblance to green onions, with a bulbous bottom but has woody, tough stalks. The flavor of this citrusy herb is a unique blend of tart lemon with the brightness of mint

​What are benefits of lemongrass?

​Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.

Did you know lemongrass keeps mosquitoes, snakes, and ticks away?

​Citronella oil, which comes from the lemongrass plant, is commonly used in commercial bug sprays and candles. It features a lemon-like citrusy scent that is irritating to mosquitoes, and deters snakes, but wonderfully pleasant to people. It even keeps ticks from your garden as well.  Lemongrass can be planted outside your home as an attractive, yet effective repellent. Lemongrass is drought-resistant and easy to maintain.

Well lemongrass come back every year?

​In moderately cooler zones, lemongrass may survive the winter and return in the spring even though the plant's leaves die back. Lemongrass roots are typically hardy in USDA zones 8b and 9, and in these zones, the plant may return year after year.

A clump of lemongrass

Transplanting lemongrass

Jennifer came over last weekend and helped me transplant a bunch of lemongrass.
Lemongrass is planted from transplants, either purchased or overwintered, in summer after all danger of frost has passed. In its perennial hardiness zones, lemongrass requires digging, dividing and transplanting every two years or when the clump becomes too large for the site.
We dug up the clump of lemongrass and divided it up. When dividing lemongrass plants, be sure they have at least one inch of root attached. ... Dig up the lemongrass plant and, with a shovel or sharp knife, divide the plant into at least 6-inch sections. Plant these divisions 3 feet apart to accommodate the vigorous growth; plants can grow 3-6 feet tall and 3 feet across.
Bonnie Plants has a great write up on how to grow lemongrass. I like how they go into detail. Hop over and check it out.
We even had enough lemongrass for Jennifer to have some…
I still have several more bunches / clumps to dig up and separate. It’s so much fun digging in the dirt…
HAPPY GARDENING!

Blessings,
Margarita & Stace