Container Plant Information: Lemongrass

How To Grow

1. Select a Container: Choose a container that is at least 12-14 inches deep and wide, with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
2. Choose Lemongrass: Look for lemongrass plants at a local nursery or garden center. You can also grow lemongrass from stalks purchased at the grocery store.
3. Prepare the Container: Fill the container with well-draining potting soil. Lemongrass prefers soil with good drainage.
4. Plant Lemongrass Stalks: If using lemongrass stalks from the grocery store, trim off the tops, leaving about 6 inches of the stalk. Place the stalks in the soil, burying them about 1-2 inches deep.
5. Water the Soil: Give the soil a good watering after planting to settle it around the stalks. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
6. Provide Full Sunlight: Place the container in a sunny location where the lemongrass will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Lemongrass loves warmth and sunlight.
7. Fertilize Sparingly: Lemongrass doesn’t require heavy feeding. You can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
8. Mulch the Soil: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the lemongrass plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
9. Harvest Regularly: Harvest lemongrass leaves and stalks regularly for use in cooking. Cut the stalks close to the base when harvesting.
10. Divide and Repot: Lemongrass can become crowded over time. Divide the plant every 1-2 years and repot the divisions into fresh soil to maintain healthy growth.

Check out our detailed guide to grow lemongrass in a container.