Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)
Regular price $19.95Fragrant Lemon-Scented Culinary Herb
Lemongrass is a graceful, clump-forming grass with long, slender, arching leaf blades. There are a number of species of Lemongrass, but the one most frequently used is the highly fragrant Cymbopogon citratus, native to Southeast Asia. It is a perennial in tropical and subtropical areas but grows as an annual in colder climates.
This beautiful grass is also grown as an ornamental, reaching about 2 feet high by 3 feet wide. Lemongrass is prized for its sweet, lemony essence and many uses, from Asian cuisine and herbal tea to aromatherapy, soaps, and perfumes. Its oils are also used in disinfectants, cleaning agents, and insect-repelling products, especially for mosquitoes.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Lemongrass is a versatile plant valued for both its culinary and traditional medicinal uses. Its sweet and lemony essence is a popular flavoring in Asian cuisine, while herbal tea made from Lemongrass is traditionally used to relieve anxiety and pain and gently promote sleep.
Lemongrass is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used traditionally as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal herb, as well as for digestive problems, high blood pressure, and as a fever reducer. Its fresh lemon fragrance is also used in aromatherapy, soaps, and perfumes.
Why Grow Lemongrass?
- Sweet, lemony flavor for Asian cuisine and herbal tea
- Graceful ornamental grass with fragrant foliage
- Traditionally valued for a variety of wellness uses
- Naturally insect-repelling, especially against mosquitoes
- Excellent for containers and small-space growing
Growing Tips
Lemongrass grows best in full sun or part shade with moist, but not soggy, soil. It needs loose, well-draining soil and benefits from soil high in organic matter. Plants can be pruned easily to maintain a smaller size and can be harvested year-round. Lemongrass is hardy outdoors in Zones 9–11 with frost protection and can be grown as a summer annual in cooler climates. It is also particularly well-suited to container growing and can be moved to a protected location when temperatures drop.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cymbopogon citratus |
| Common Names | Lemongrass |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type | Tropical Grass, Perennial |
| Life Cycle | Perennial in tropical and subtropical climates; Summer Annual in cooler climates |
| Mature Size | Up to 5 ft. tall and wide, but easily pruned to maintain at smaller sizes |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Soil & Moisture | Moist, but not soggy soil; loose, well-draining soil |
| Harvest Season | Leaves: Year-round; Flowers: Fall and Winter |
| USDA Zones | Outdoors 9–11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Growth Rate | Fast, Very Fast |
| Propagation | Division; capable of harvest within the growing season |
| Seasonal Traits | Perennial in tropical/subtropical climates; summer annual in cooler climates |
| Florida Native | No |
| Container Growing | Yes |
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