How to Grow and Care for Lemongrass (Plus, Uses + Benefits)
Lemongrass or Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial, tropical grass native to South Asia, and South-East Asia. Due to its aromatic, citrusy scent and many health benefits, it is widely used in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications.
Lemongrass is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in environments that are similar to its native area’s warmth and humidity. And so, your lemongrass plant will grow and multiply quickly if you give it plenty of heat, light, and moisture.
Even in hot places, lemongrass grows best in full sun. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to meet its energy requirements. Plants that grow in the shade will not have many leaves and may attract pests.
Lemongrass thrives in warm, humid environments. Planting lemongrass outdoors is best done when nighttime temperatures are consistently around 50 degrees.
For the best growth of its green plant, lemongrass requires a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Consider using a slow-release 6-4-0 fertilizer that will feed the plant all through the growing season.
Lemongrass often remains evergreen all year long in areas where it is a perennial i.e. in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It may die back to the ground in the winter for gardeners in zones 8 and 9, then come back the following spring.