Kitchen PickCymbopogon citratus / flexuosus · Poaceae (Grass family)
West Indian Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus, the kitchen lemongrass with thick tender stalks preferred for cooking and chai. Forms a neat, dense clump in pots.
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Light
●●●●●
Full sun. 5 to 6 hours of direct light keeps the clump dense and aromatic.
Watering
Every 2 days in summer, twice a week in winter. Likes moisture but drains fast.
About Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tall aromatic grass whose citrus scented stalks and leaves flavour chai, soups and Thai curries. Crushed leaves release citral, the lemony oil that also helps keep mosquitoes away. It grows into a generous clump you can harvest from for years.
Botanical name
Cymbopogon citratus / flexuosus
Family
Poaceae (Grass family)
Origin
Tropical Asia, widely grown in Indian kitchen gardens
Local names
Lemongrass, Nimbu ghas, Gavati chaha, Cherukupulla
Uses
- ✓Lemongrass chai (gavati chaha) and herbal teas
- ✓Thai curries, soups and broths
- ✓Natural mosquito deterrent for balconies
- ✓Home made lemongrass oil infusions
- ✓Fast growing green screen in large pots
Watering Guide
Every 2 days in summer, twice a week in winter. Likes moisture but drains fast.
- •Keep soil lightly moist through the growing season
- •Brown leaf tips usually mean underwatering or salty water
- •Water at the base, keeping the clump centre dry
- •Tolerates brief dry spells once the clump is established
Soil Mix Recipe
- Garden soil2 parts
- Compost1 part
- Sand1 part
Best Practices
- ★Harvest outer stalks first by cutting at the base, new shoots rise from the centre
- ★Divide the clump every year, one pot becomes three
- ★Cut the whole clump back to 15 cm in late winter for fresh spring growth
- ★Use a large pot (14 inches or more), lemongrass grows into a big clump
Growth Journey
Watch your Lemongrass grow, from day one to full glory
Settling in
Week 1 to 3
Height: 20 to 30 cm
Tillering
Month 1 to 2
Height: 40 to 60 cm
First harvest
Month 3 to 4
Height: 70 to 90 cm
Full clump
Month 6+
Height: 1 to 1.5 m
The Complete Lemongrass Care Manual
Everything on this page and more, in a beautiful PDF you can keep on your phone: care calendar, troubleshooting, growth stages and expert tips for every variety.