Growing lemongrass in temperate zones

*Cymbopogon citratus* -- lemongrass -- is a tropical grass native to Southeast Asia that has become one of the most widely grown culinary herbs outside its native range. Its stalks and leaves contain citral, linalool, and related compounds that produce a fresh lemon-citrus flavor with a slightly.

—- title: "Growing lemongrass in temperate zones" slug: growing-lemongrass hub: vegetables category: "Herb guide" description: "How to grow lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) in zones 8-10 outdoors and as an annual or container plant in colder zones, with overwintering strategies." date: 2026-06-10 updated: 2026-06-10 author: "Thomas A." reading_time: 9 scientific: "Cymbopogon citratus" zones_min: 8 zones_max: 11 sun: "full sun" —-

Cymbopogon citratus — lemongrass — is a tropical grass native to Southeast Asia that has become one of the most widely grown culinary herbs outside its native range. Its stalks and leaves contain citral, linalool, and related compounds that produce a fresh lemon-citrus flavor with a slightly floral, ginger-adjacent complexity. It is used extensively in Thai, Vietnamese, and South and Southeast Asian cooking, and increasingly in Western kitchens for teas, marinades, and flavoring.

In temperate North America, it grows as a perennial in zones 8-10 and a warm-season annual in zones 5-7. I don't grow it at my zone 7a Long Island plot, but it is straightforward to grow there as an annual given its rapid growth rate. This guide is sourced from Extension publications.

Identification and species

Per Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, two species are commonly grown:

• ***Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass):* The culinary species used in cooking. Produces large stalks but rarely flowers in cultivation; does not set seed reliably. Propagated vegetatively.
• ***Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian lemongrass):* Used primarily for essential oil production. More commonly grown commercially in India. Less commonly available in American nurseries.

For culinary use, C. citratus is the standard.

USDA hardiness zones

Per Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, C. citratus is hardy outdoors in USDA zones 8b-11. It is frost-tender; temperatures below 28-30°F kill the foliage and can damage or kill the crown. In zones 8a, plants may survive mild winters with heavy mulching. In zones 5-7, grow as a summer annual.

Light requirements

Per Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, lemongrass requires full sun — a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In less than 6 hours of sun, growth is sparse and stalks remain thin. In full sun with ample heat and water, plants can reach 3-5 feet tall and wide in a single season.

Starting from transplant or stalks

C. citratus rarely sets viable seed; grow from:

1. Commercial transplants: Available from herb nurseries and some general garden centers in spring.
2. Grocery store stalks: Per NC State Extension, fresh lemongrass stalks with the root end intact (not trimmed to a flat cut) can be rooted in a jar of water on a sunny windowsill. Change water every few days. Roots develop in 2-3 weeks; transplant to soil when roots reach 1-2 inches long.

Transplant outdoors after the last frost date, when nighttime temperatures reliably stay above 50°F. Space plants 24-36 inches apart — they grow large.

Watering

Per Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, lemongrass is a tropical grass that needs consistent moisture during active growth. Water at 1.5-2 inches per week in summer, more during heat waves. In containers, water when the top inch of soil is dry — containers dry out faster than in-ground soil.

Once established in the ground in zones 9-11, lemongrass develops moderate drought tolerance, but reduced irrigation leads to thinner stalks and lower yields.

Soil requirements

Per NC State Extension, lemongrass grows best in:

• Well-drained, fertile, loamy soil
• pH 5.5-7.0
• High organic matter content

Amend clay soils with compost at 3-4 inches worked to 10 inches depth. Lemongrass planted in compacted, poorly-draining soil produces sparse growth.

Fertilizing

Per Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, lemongrass is a moderate to heavy feeder during active growth. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) at transplant and sidedress monthly through summer. In containers, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Stop fertilizing 6-8 weeks before expected first frost for in-ground plants.

Harvesting

Per NC State Extension, harvest lemongrass stalks when they reach 12 inches or more in height and 1/2 inch in diameter at the base. Cut or twist individual stalks from the outside of the clump at soil level. The tender, aromatic portion is the lower 4-6 inches of the stalk (the white to pale green base). The upper leaves are more fibrous and used for tea and flavoring liquid dishes rather than as a direct ingredient.

For tea: bruise leaves and steep in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

Overwintering in zones 5-7

Per NC State Extension, in zones 5-7:

Option 1 — Treat as annual: Start fresh each spring. Since grocery store stalks root easily, the investment is minimal.

Option 2 — Overwinter indoors:

1. Before the first frost, cut the entire clump back to 6 inches
2. Dig and pot up in a large (5+ gallon) container
3. Bring indoors to a warm (60-70°F), bright, south-facing location
4. Water sparingly through winter (once every 7-10 days)
5. Bring back outdoors in spring after the last frost date

Container culture

Per Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, lemongrass grows well in containers (15-20 gallon minimum for best production). Use well-draining potting mix amended with compost. Container plants need more frequent watering and fertilizing than in-ground plants. Divide every 2-3 years when the clump fills the container.

Pests and diseases

Per UC IPM, lemongrass has few serious pest problems:

Rust fungus: Orange-brown streaks or pustules on leaves in wet conditions. Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation.

Aphids: Occasionally on new growth. Treat with water spray or insecticidal soap.

Root rot: From overwatering or poor drainage. Most common in containers.

Common problems

Frequently asked questions

Can I root lemongrass from a grocery store stalk? Per NC State Extension, yes — if the stalk is fresh and has not had the base trimmed to a flat cut. Place the stalk base in 2-3 inches of water in a glass jar on a sunny windowsill, change the water every 2-3 days, and roots should appear within 2 weeks. This is one of the most satisfying herb propagations possible and produces free plants.

How large does lemongrass get in a single season in zone 7? Per Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, in a warm summer with adequate water and fertilizer, a single transplant started from a rooted stalk in May in zone 7 can reach 2-3 feet tall and 18-24 inches wide by September. The clump will have multiple harvestable stalks.

Is lemongrass the same as lemon verbena? No. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a completely different genus and family — a shrubby plant with narrow leaves and intense lemon flavor used primarily for tea. Lemongrass is a tropical grass. Both have lemon-citrus aromatics but different flavor profiles and textures, and are not interchangeable in cooking.

Can I use lemongrass leaves as well as stalks? Per NC State Extension, yes. The leaves are more fibrous than the stalks and are not typically eaten directly, but they are used to infuse teas, soups, and broths with lemongrass flavor. Bruise leaves before use to release essential oils. The aromatic compounds in leaves are the same as in stalks, just in lower concentration.

Recommended gear: Best Insecticidal Soap: How Potassium Salts Kill Soft-Bodied Pests — our buyer's guide covering picks for every budget, ranked by Extension publication consensus and personal use.

Sources

1. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Lemongrass
2. NC State Extension — Cymbopogon citratus
3. UC IPM — Herb pests