Herb Spotlight: Lemongrass

 
Common name: Lemongrass 
 
Botanical name: Cymbopogon citratus 
 
Family: Poaceae 
 
Fresh, citrusy, and wonderfully aromatic. Lemongrass is a staple of many global cuisines and a beautiful addition to the garden. With its tall, graceful blades and bright lemon scent, this tropical herb brings both flavor and fragrance to your space. 

 
Why Grow Lemongrass? 
 
1. Fresh Flavor for the Kitchen 
Lemongrass is essential in soups, curries, teas, and marinades—especially in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Fresh stalks offer unmatched flavor compared to dried. 
 
2. Naturally Fragrant  
Its lemony scent adds a refreshing aroma to patios and garden beds. 
 
3. Easy to Grow & Productive 
Once established, lemongrass grows quickly and produces abundant stalks throughout the season. 
 
4. Great for Containers 
Its upright, grassy form makes it perfect for pots and patio displays. 
 
Growing & Care 
Light 
• Prefers full sun (6+ hours daily) 
• Thrives in warm, bright conditions 
 
Water 
• Keep soil consistently moist 
• Do not let soil fully dry out, especially in heat 
 
Soil 
• Rich, well-draining soil 

• Benefits from compost or organic matter 
 
Growth Habit 
• Forms dense clumps of tall, grassy blades 
• Can grow 3–5 feet tall in one season 
 
Climate & Zones 
• Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11 
• Frost sensitive and damaged by cold temperatures 
 
Growing in Zone 5 
Zone 5 gardeners should grow lemongrass as an annual or container plant. 

 
Container Growing (Recommended) 
• Plant in a large pot to allow room for clumping 
• Keep outdoors during warm months 
• Bring indoors before temps drop below 40–50°F 
 
Overwintering Options 
• Place in a bright, sunny window 
• Water lightly during winter 
• Or divide clumps and store dormant in a cool, frost-free space 
 
Harvesting Lemongrass 
You can begin harvesting once stalks are about ½ inch thick. 
 
What to Harvest 
• Cut stalks near the base of the plant 

• Use the lower, bulbous portion for cooking 
 
When to Harvest 

• Mid to late summer through early fall 
• Harvest regularly to encourage new growth 

 
How to Use Lemongrass 
• Add chopped stalks to soups, curries, and broths 
• Steep in hot water for a bright, citrusy tea 
• Use in marinades, stir-fries, and infused syrups 
 
To use: peel outer layers and finely chop or bruise the inner stalk to release flavor. 
 
Final Thoughts 
Growing Cymbopogon citratus adds bold flavor, fragrance, and tropical beauty to your garden. Whether you're cooking, brewing tea, or simply enjoying its scent on a warm day,  
lemongrass is a rewarding and versatile herb. 
 
Come visit The Flower Bin to pick up your lemongrass and bring fresh citrus flavor to your garden and kitchen!