How to Grow Lemongrass from Seed | Growing Instructions

Learn How to Grow Lemongrass from Seed in this descriptive article and cultivate your own patch of this medicinal herb.

If you are wondering about How to Grow Lemongrass from Seeds, we have discussed the detailed Growing Instructions below to help you out!

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Lemongrass Plant Profile

Lemongrass grows wild in wet grasslands and open forests throughout Southeast Asia, where it is widely used as a culinary herb and medicine. Lemon grass grows to a height of 1-5 meters and has a mounding growth habit.

With a plethora of medicinal properties, lemongrass is consumed as a tea to improve the immune system in humans.

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus

USDA Zones: 10-11

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How to Grow Lemongrass from Seeds

Growing lemongrass from seeds is easy and requires minimal effort. 

1. Fill a seed tray with a moistened, well-draining medium mixture of equal parts compost, cocopeat, or coconut fiber fine.
2. Sow lemongrass seeds 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep. Cover with a layer of the medium.
3. Mist the lemon grass seeds with water from a spray bottle.
4. Stretch plastic wrap over the seed tray, and seal the edges. Set the tray on a windowsill that receives good light.
5. Remove the plastic wrap once a week to water the lemongrass seeds. Mist the surface of the soil until the top 1/2 to 1 inch is damp.

Seeds will germinate in 10 – 30 days. Remove the plastic wrap once the seedlings grow up to 1 inch and transplant to bigger pots.

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Requirements for Growing Lemongrass from Seeds

Sunlight

Lemongrass needs a minimum of 7-8 hours of bright, direct sunlight to grow well. Plants grown in the shade will show unhealthy growth and are prone to pests and diseases.

Soil

For best growth, use fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7. Rich, loamy soil amended with a handful of aged manure will provide all the essential nutrients.

Watering

The tender seedlings need considerably moist soil to grow well. However, as the plant matures, it can tolerate short periods of drought. The best option is to water the plant whenever the top inch feels dry to touch.

Temperature & Humidity

Lemongrass thrives in warm, humid climates and needs a temperature range of 68-86 F or 20-30 C. The plant can take hotter climates but is not resistant to temperatures below 50 F or 10 C.

Also, the plant needs 70-80% humidity to grow well. Keep a humidifier handy for drier days.

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Lemongrass Plant Care

Fertilizers

The plant loves an occasional nitrogen boost for lusher leaf growth. You can also add a layer of aged manure, well-rotten cow dung, or manure tea at the onset of its growing season.

Pruning

Snip the overgrown shoots to maintain the desired shape of the plant. Also, remove the dead and dried leaves after the winter.

Pests and Diseases

Lemongrass is prone to diseases like Leaf Blight, Leaf Spot, and Rust that can be dealt with by spraying insecticidal neem solution on the plant.

Keep the plant in full sunlight and avoid overwatering to keep potential diseases at bay.

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