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Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Herbs📅 75–100 (first stalk harvest), then ongoing days to harvest☀️ Full sun (6–8 hours)

Overview

Lemongrass is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs for Florida gardens. This tropical grass thrives in Florida's heat and humidity, growing into large, fountain-like clumps that produce an abundance of citrus-scented stalks and leaves. A single plant can grow 3–5 feet tall and wide in a single Florida growing season, providing more lemongrass than most families can use.

In South and Central Florida, lemongrass is a perennial that returns year after year. In North Florida, it may die back in hard freezes but often regrows from the roots. The thick, bulbous stalk bases are the primary culinary part, used extensively in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines. The leaves make excellent tea and can be used as aromatic additions to grilling.

Growing in Florida

Lemongrass is perfectly adapted to Florida's tropical and subtropical climate. In Zones 9b–11 (Central and South Florida), it's a carefree perennial that grows larger each year. In Zone 9a and north (North Florida), it may die back to the ground in winter but typically regrows from roots if mulched heavily before cold snaps. Many Florida gardeners start lemongrass from stalks purchased at Asian grocery stores — simply place them in water until roots develop, then plant in the garden. A single division can grow into a massive clump within one Florida growing season.

Planting Calendar

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Central FL
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South FL
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Growing Guide

🌱Soil Type
Rich, moist soil with organic matter
⚗️Soil pH
6.0–7.0
☀️Sun Requirement
Full sun (6–8 hours)
💧Water Needs
Regular moisture — 1 inch per week, more in sandy soils
📏Spacing
24–36 inches apart (plants get large)
📅Days to Harvest
75–100 (first stalk harvest), then ongoing
🧪Fertilizer
Moderate nitrogen — 10-10-10 or compost tea monthly during active growth.
🌿Propagation
Division of established clumps, or root store-bought stalks in water

Companion Planting

🌱 Citronella
Both are aromatic grasses that help repel mosquitoes when planted together
🌱 Tomato
Lemongrass may repel whiteflies and other small pests near tomatoes
🌱 Ginger
Similar tropical growing requirements and complementary culinary uses
🌱 Basil
Aromatic herbs planted together create a pest-confusing fragrance barrier

Pests & Diseases

diseaseRust
Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation by thinning clumps. Avoid overhead watering.
diseaseLeaf Blight
Remove and destroy infected leaves. Keep plants vigorous with proper nutrition and watering.
pestAphids
Usually minor. Blast with water or apply insecticidal soap if populations build.
pestMealybugs
Spray with isopropyl alcohol solution or neem oil. Usually a problem only on stressed plants.

Florida Varieties

West Indian Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus — the standard culinary lemongrass. Fat, juicy stalks with intense lemon flavor.
East Indian Lemongrass
Cymbopogon flexuosus — higher citral content, used more for oil production. Thinner stalks but very aromatic.
Citronella Grass
Cymbopogon nardus — related species grown for mosquito-repelling oil. Not culinary but useful as a companion.

Flavor Profile

Texture
Firm, fibrous outer layers with tender, juicy inner core
Best Eaten
Cooked

Nutrition Highlights

Health note: Lemongrass contains citral, a compound studied for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemongrass tea is traditionally used in many cultures as a digestive aid and calming beverage.

Culinary Uses

Essential in Thai curries, tom yum soup, and Vietnamese pho. Mince the tender inner stalk for curry pastes and stir-fries. Bruise whole stalks and add to soups and broths for flavor (remove before serving). Steep leaves for a soothing, caffeine-free herbal tea. Use as aromatic skewers for grilled shrimp or chicken. Blend with ginger, garlic, and chili for a Southeast Asian marinade.

Storage Tips

Fresh stalks keep 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels. Freeze whole stalks for up to 6 months — they thaw well for cooking. Dried lemongrass works for teas but loses much of its fresh flavor for culinary use. In Florida, the best storage method is a living plant in the garden — harvest stalks as needed year-round.

💡 Fun Fact

Lemongrass contains citronellal and geraniol, compounds that give it natural mosquito-repellent properties. While the living plant doesn't create a mosquito-free zone, crushing the leaves and rubbing them on skin does provide short-term repellency — a useful trick for Florida gardeners working outside during mosquito season.