Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus

Common Name: Lemongrass

Type: Ornamental grass

Family: Poaceae

Zone: 10 to 11     Find Your Zone

Height: 2 to 4 feet

Width: 2 to 3

Sun exposure: full sun

Soil: well drained, sandy or loam

Leaves: evergreen

This tropical herb has come onto the scene very quickly and is becoming so popular for its citrus taste and many culinary uses. These roots can usually survive winters in zone 8b but really thrives in zones 10 through 11 as an evergreen. Lemongrass needs full sun but can be overwintered inside on a south facing window if your climate gets too cold. The stalks of lemongrass are ready for harvest once they are 1 foot tall and ½ inch round. Lemongrass can tolerate a variety of different soils but it prefers a well drained loam soil. Take a look at our 12 Ornamental Grasses for Landscaping.

PLANTING GUIDE

STEP 1: Digging the hole

• Find a location that has suitable sun exposure for your particular type of plant.
• Dig your hole an inch or two shallower than the rootball of the plant.
• Dig the hole twice the diameter of the rootball.
• Scuff up the sides of the hole with a shovel to help roots break through the native soil.
  

STEP 2: Putting plant in hole

• When removing the plant from the pot, check to see if the roots were circling the pot.
• If the plant is rootbound, gently break up the roots with your hands until loosened up.
• Set plant level, in the center of the hole.
• Make sure the top of the rootball is just above soil level.

STEP 3: Amending the soil and filling in the hole

• Amend the soil with proper amendments for your soil type. 
  
• Incorporate 50% native soil with 50% amendment soils like garden soil, composted manure or soil conditioner.
• Make sure dirt clods are broken up or removed from hole along with rocks.
• Fill the hole with soils to the soil level and pack down. Do not cover top of rootball with dirt.
  
• Water in thoroughly to remove air pockets.

STEP 4: Mulching and fertilizing

• Cover the planting site with at least 2 inches of the mulch of your choice (pinestraw, cupress mulch,etc.)
• High Phosphorus root stimulator fertilizers like Quick Start from Miracle Gro are great to use at time of planting.

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