How to Germinate and Grow Lemongrass

Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus, grows naturally in wet grasslands and open forests across Southeast Asia, where it is widely used as a culinary and medicinal herb. Lemongrass is a perennial species of grass with a 1- to 5-foot mounding growth habit of dull-green, pointed blades. Lemongrass is an exceptionally easy species to grow at home. The seeds germinate reliably and require very little care once established. However, the seedlings must be kept warm and in humid conditions the first few weeks after germination.

4-inch-deep seed tray
Compost
Coir
Medium-grit sand
Spray bottle
Plastic wrap
Thermostat-controlled propagation mat

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a 4-inch-deep seed tray with a moistened mixture of equal parts compost, milled coir and medium-grit sand. Smooth the surface and tamp it down so 1/2 to 1 inch of space remains between the soil and the top of the tray.
- 2
  Sow the lemongrass seeds 1 inch apart over the surface of the soil. Press them into the soil 1/4 inch deep. Pinch the soil mixture over the tops of the seeds.
- 3
  Mist the lemongrass seeds with water from a spray bottle to settle the soil around them. Spray the surface of the soil until the top inch feels moderately moist.
- 4
  Stretch plastic wrap over the seed tray, and seal it around the edges. Set the tray on a thermostat-controlled propagation mat set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit near an unshaded west- or south-facing window with good light.
- 5
  Remove the plastic wrap once a week to water the lemongrass seeds. Mist the soil surface until the top 1/2 to 1 inch is moist.
- 6
  Watch for germination in approximately 15 to 30 days. Remove the plastic wrap once the lemongrass seeds grow to 1 inch in height. Remove the propagation mat from under the tray.
- 7
  Mist the lemongrass periodically as it grows to maintain adequate moisture and humidity around the plants.
- 8
  Transplant the lemongrass seedlings into individual pots, if desired, or leave them in the original seed tray. Thin the seedlings to one every 2 inches if you leave them in the tray.
- 9
  Harvest the lemongrass blades as needed once they grow to at least 5 inches in height. Snip the blades at the base instead of pulling them out, since the plant can regenerate from the roots if they are left in place.

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