How To Grow Lemongrass In A Pot

To grow lemongrass successfully in a pot, opt for East Indian or West Indian varieties for adaptability in container gardening.

Plant in hot, humid climates after the frost danger has passed, allowing for a 90-100 day growth period.

Choose a pot with a 14-inch diameter or larger for ample root space, ensuring proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and transferring to a larger container as it grows.

Do not forget to provide sufficient sunlight, warmth, and watering for healthy and quick growth.

Pick a suitable lemongrass variety for the pot

When selecting a suitable lemongrass variety for your pot, consider the East Indian or West Indian types as they both thrive well in container gardening. These varieties are ideal for pot cultivation due to their adaptability and robust growth in confined spaces.

East Indian lemongrass features thin stalks and red stems, while West Indian lemongrass is favored for its culinary uses. Both types exhibit similar growing conditions, making them convenient choices for your potted garden.

Choose the best time to grow lemongrass

To determine the best time for growing lemongrass effectively, consider the climate and seasonal conditions in your region.

Lemongrass thrives in hot, humid climates and is perennial in Zones 10-11 but an annual in colder areas. It’s ideal to plant after the frost danger has passed, typically taking 90-100 days to harvest.

Find out how long it will take to grow lemongrass

Lemongrass typically takes around 90-100 days to harvest once planted. Factors like sufficient sunlight, warmth, and regular watering contribute to the growth rate.

Pick the right pot to grow lemongrass

For the best growth of lemongrass, choosing a pot with a minimum diameter of 14 inches is essential to accommodate the plant’s extensive root system and promote healthy development.

Opt for a 5-gallon container with a diameter between 14-18 inches to guarantee ample space for root growth.

Prepare the pot for planting

Check the pot is clean and free from any debris that could harbor pests or diseases. If starting with a smaller pot, plan to transfer the lemongrass to a larger container as it grows.

Add good potting soil that has the right texture so it can retain sufficient moisture but drain out the excess.

Add some compost to the potting soil so the lemongrass can get sufficient nutrients as it grows.

Plant the lemongrass stalks in the pot

If you’re unable to access a lemongrass plant, you can easily kickstart your own by using stalks purchased from a farmer’s market or an Asian store. Ensure the stalks you choose are healthy with intact bases, then follow these steps:

Wash the stalks thoroughly to remove any dirt from the base and trim the leaves, leaving only about 1/3 of their original length. Next, take a clean glass or jar and fill it with water. Submerge the stalks in the water, ensuring the entire base is covered. Place the glass or jar on a sunny windowsill for optimal sunlight exposure. Remember to change the water every few days or whenever it becomes cloudy.

Within a couple of weeks, roots should start sprouting from the base of the stalks. Once the roots reach approximately 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) in length, transfer each stalk to the center of a pot filled with potting mix. Ensure the soil is moistened well and add liquid fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Position your newly potted lemongrass in a bright, warm area and maintain regular watering. With proper care, your lemongrass should thrive and provide you with a fresh supply for culinary use.

Plant the lemongrass seeds in the pot

Growing lemongrass from seeds will take a lot longer and has a lower success rate.

Aim to sow 2 to 3 seeds in the center of each pot, burying them about ¼ of an inch (5 mm) deep. This ensures a higher chance of successful germination. Should all three seeds sprout, you can transplant the excess seedlings into their own pots once they’ve grown sufficiently.

After sowing, give your seeds a good watering and place the pots in a warm, sunny location.

Provide the required sunlight

Lemongrass thrives in sunny spots, requiring 6-7 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a location with ample sunlight, avoiding shady areas for best growth.

Placing the pot near a sunny window or in a spot with good sunlight exposure is ideal. Sufficient sunlight is essential for lemongrass to photosynthesize and develop its flavorful stalks.

Provide the required water to the plant

For peak growth and health of your lemongrass plant, make sure that the watering regimen maintains consistent moisture levels in the soil without causing waterlogging.

Lemongrass prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly, allowing slight drying between waterings. In winter, water less but don’t let the soil dry out completely, as dried roots can harm the plant.

Lemongrass is a tropical herb that dislikes dry conditions, so maintaining important moisture levels is vital for its overall well-being.

Provide nutrients to the lemongrass

To nourish your lemongrass adequately, regularly supplement it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to support its growth and health. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength before application.

Consider adding compost into the soil to boost growth. Pruning dead leaves will promote healthier growth, with the first pruning typically done after 5-7 months. This maintenance practice encourages fresh growth and prevents the plant from becoming overcrowded.

Harvest and store the lemongrass

When harvesting, cut the grass about 2 inches from the root using clean scissors or a sharp knife. Utilize the harvested lemongrass immediately for best freshness.

To store lemongrass, you have various options. You can dry the stalks by cutting them and baking or dehydrate them using a dehydrator until brittle for storage.

Another method is freezing the lemongrass by cutting it and storing it in an airtight container.