Cymbopogon flexuosus

Lemongrass is a tropical plant from the grass family (Poaceae) that will grow well in temperate regions if given the right conditions.

Sow Lemongrass seeds indoors in late winter using bottom heat or a seedling heat mat. Maintain moist conditions and a temperature around 21°C (70°F), and the seeds will germinate in 5 to 21 days. Be sure to use sterilized seed starting mix, and either a clear dome over your seedling tray, or sealed into a plastic bag to maintain moisture.

Transplant outdoors or into containers in full sun once the weather has warmed up in early summer. At the end of summer move container plants into a frost free environment with good air circulation. Reduce watering to almost none, making the soil barely moist once a week.

When using Lemongrass in the kitchen, remove any loose, outer layers. Either use whole pieces, crushed slightly with a pestle or under the back of your cleaver, or slice sections very thinly in cross section. This will help break up the strong fibres of the grass stalks.

Tender Perennial

To learn more about Lemongrass, it’s uses, medicinal benefits and how to grow and brew your own delicious cup of tea, check out my book, "Tea Gardening for Beginners”. It was released on July 26, 2022, published by Rockridge Press, a division of Callisto Media. Signed copies are available through my shop here.

For specific planting dates in your area, check out my Seed Starting Calculator. It will help you to plan for your first to last seed sowings of the year.

Price: $3.69

Packet: 0.1g (approximately 245 seeds)

Germination: 58%