How to Grow Lemongrass in Florida

Preparation and Planting

• 1

  Select a sunny location with good drainage as a planting area. Avoid areas where water collects after a rain. In Florida's long warm growing season, lemongrass can grow 3 feet wide and up to 3 to 6 feet tall, so plant it where it won't overtake other herbs.

• 2

  Incorporate 2 or 3 inches of compost into the soil where the lemongrass is to be planted, mixing it in to a depth of about 6 inches. Remove any existing vegetation from the planting area and break up any heavy clods of soil in the process.

• 3

  Dig a planting hole the same size as the root ball of the lemongrass. Gently loosen the outer roots and plant so the top of the roots are even with the surrounding soil level. Tamp the soil by hand to remove any air pockets around the roots.

Care and Harvest

• 4

  Water the lemongrass about once a week, unless there has been a soaking rain. If the top inch of soil of soil is dry, it is a sign the plant needs water. Maintain a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant to conserve soil moisture and prevent weed seeds from germinating.

• 5

  Fertilize with half the recommended dosage of a balanced all-purpose fertilizer once per month from June to September.

• 6

  Harvest any time once individual stalks have grown to at least 1/2 in diameter. To harvest, pull a stalk part way toward the ground and cut it off with a knife as close to the base as possible.