Lemongrass Plant Care Guide
Lemongrass a pretty, ornamental grass, but did you know this popular plant is also edible?!
Why People Love This Plant
Lemongrass plants are best known for Asian cooking, it has been used in soups, teas, and more! Not only is this fragrant plant great in cuisine, the oil is known to repel insects such as mosquitos. The lemongrass plant is a fast-growing one so make sure to give it plenty of room to spread out and you will have plenty of it!
Your Guide to Care
Care: Easy, as long as you have heat, light, and moisture.
Light: The lemongrass plant likes full sun, even in hotter climates. Make sure to give at least 6 hours of full sun a day.
Water: Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry and make sure to check daily. Lemongrass likes to stay on the moist side, so providing consistent moisture is important. If you planted in containers, you may need to water daily. Be careful not to oversaturate and waterlog the soil.
Temperature: 65 to 85F is deal. Lemongrass plants love hot conditions. The ideal time for growing is similar to that of tomato plants, where evening temperatures are in the 60’s. If you plant on wintering indoors, make sure to bring your plant in before the temperatures reach the 40’s. Lemongrass plants are very sensitive to frost.
Humidity: This plant likes it steamy! Make sure to provide plenty of humidity.
Feeding: Use a slow-release nitrogen rich fertilizer throughout growing season.
Bonus
You can harvest this plant for cooking! Wait until the stalk reaches a height of at least 12 inches and is about a half inch wide or more at the base. Then, use a clean hand trowel or knife to remove an individual stalk from the base. Prepare!
Tag us on Instagram @tropicalplantsofflorida with a Lemongrass Plant selfie!
