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About Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical grass. The thick pale stalk is the main culinary part; leaves make tea. Seventy days is too short for fat stalks — plan on 90–120+ days of heat. Below Zone 8, lift a pot indoors before frost.

When to Plant

Set out after last frost when nights are 50°F+. Start divisions or nursery plants; seed is slow and uncommon.

How to Plant

Plant in full sun, rich moist soil or a 5-gallon pot. Space 24 inches. Water well in heat. Feed monthly with compost tea or fish emulsion.

When to Harvest

Harvest thick stalks at the base after the clump is well established. Peel to the tender core for cooking. Leaves: snip for tea. Do not wait for a “bulb.”