How to Grow Herb Lemon Grass

Though technically a perennial, lemongrass is treated like an annual in most herb gardens as the plants don't tolerate cool winter conditions. This herbal grass is closely related to pampas and other ornamental grass varieties. It grows in a fountain-like mound, reaching several feet tall over the summer growing season. The stalks of the plant produce a light lemon flavor when used as a culinary herb. Grow lemongrass from root sections or by planting nursery-grown bedding plants in the garden in early summer.

Compost
Fertilizer
Shears

Instructions

- 1
  Till the top 6 to 8 inches of soil in a full-sun garden bed. Incorporate a 2-inch layer of compost as you till. The compost provides richness and drainage to the planting site.
- 2
  Plant the lemongrass at the same depth in the bed as it is growing at in the nursery pot. If growing from roots, plant the roots approximately 1 inch deep. Space the plants 36 inches apart in all directions so they have to room to spread when they put on their full growth in midsummer.
- 3
  Water lemongrass one to two times a week so the soil remains moist at all times. Lemongrass cannot tolerate any drying. Mist the foliage with water at each irrigation to maintain humidity around the plants, especially in dry climates.
- 4
  Dilute a nitrogen-based soluble fertilizer at half the rate recommended on the package. Water the lemongrass once monthly with the fertilizer solution from midsummer through fall.
- 5
  Cut off the stalks at ground level in fall before the first frost. Peel the outer layers from the stems and store them in the fridge for up to a week before use, or freeze for long term storage.

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