Lemongrass Growing: Intermediate Techniques for Abundant Harvests

Introduction

You've successfully grown lemongrass and want to expand your skills. This intermediate guide covers advanced propagation techniques, species selection, overwintering strategies for cooler climates, and methods to maximize your harvest throughout the growing season.

Understanding Lemongrass Species

Comparing Key Species

West Indian vs. East Indian Lemongrass

West Indian (C. citratus) advantages:

• Thicker, more tender stalks
• Better for culinary use
• Sweeter, less fibrous
• Easier to find at grocery stores

East Indian (C. flexuosus) advantages:

• Higher essential oil yield
• Longer shelf life (less myrcene)
• Preferred for perfume industry
• More aromatic leaves

For cooking: Choose West Indian lemongrass For essential oil/aromatherapy: Choose East Indian lemongrass

Advanced Propagation Methods

Water Propagation (Detailed)

Selecting stalks:

1. Look for fresh, firm stalks with intact bases
2. Root nubs visible at bottom are ideal
3. Avoid dried out or damaged stalks
4. Thicker stalks root more reliably

Process:

1. Trim tops to 4-6 inches
2. Remove any dried outer layers
3. Place in clear glass with 1-2 inches of water
4. Position in warm, sunny window (indirect light)
5. Change water every 2-3 days
6. Roots appear in 1-3 weeks
7. Plant when roots are 1-2 inches long

Success tips:

• Warmer water (room temperature) speeds rooting
• Rooting hormone on cut end can help
• Multiple stalks can share a container
• Some stalks won't root—this is normal

Division

When: Spring, when active growth begins

Process:

1. Water plant thoroughly day before
2. Dig up entire clump
3. Use sharp spade or knife to divide
4. Each division needs several stalks and roots
5. Trim leaves to 6 inches to reduce stress
6. Replant immediately at same depth
7. Water well and keep moist

Seed Starting (Less Common)

Lemongrass is typically propagated vegetatively, but seeds are possible:

1. Start seeds indoors in warm conditions (75-85°F)
2. Surface sow on moist seed-starting mix
3. Keep consistently moist
4. Germination is slow (14-21+ days)
5. Seedlings grow slowly initially
6. Transplant when 4-6 inches tall

Climate Adaptation Strategies

Growing Zones Overview

Overwintering in Cold Climates

Option 1: Indoor wintering (recommended)

1. Before first frost, dig up plant or bring container inside
2. Trim to 6-8 inches
3. Repot if needed (roots may be crowded)
4. Place in sunniest window (south-facing ideal)
5. Reduce watering—soil should dry slightly between
6. Stop fertilizing until spring
7. Resume normal care when warm weather returns

Option 2: Dormant storage

1. Dig plant before hard frost
2. Trim severely (to 2-3 inches)
3. Shake off most soil
4. Store in cool (40-50°F), dark location
5. Keep roots barely moist
6. Replant in spring after frost danger

Option 3: Heavy mulching (zones 7-8 only)

1. After frost kills tops, don't cut
2. Mound 6-12 inches of mulch over crown
3. Cover with burlap or frost cloth
4. Remove gradually in spring
5. Not reliable in zones 6 and colder

Extending the Season

Cold protection methods:

Maximizing Harvest

Harvest Timing

Optimal stalk characteristics:

• At least 1/2 inch thick at base
• Firm and turgid, not soft
• Outer stalks mature first
• 4-6 months from planting (first harvest)

Best harvest time:

• Morning, after dew dries
• Before heat of day
• Stalks are juiciest

Harvest Techniques

For maximum regrowth:

1. Cut outer stalks first
2. Slice 2-3 inches above soil (not at ground level)
3. Leave inner stalks to continue growing
4. Never harvest more than 1/3 at once
5. Allow 4-6 weeks between major harvests

For culinary quality:

1. Harvest entire stalk close to base
2. Remove tough outer layers
3. Use bottom 4-6 inches (most tender)
4. Upper portions for tea or stock

Continuous Harvest Calendar

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

Aphids

Spider Mites

Disease Management

Rust (Puccinia nakanishikii)

Root Rot

Leaf Blight

Container Growing Deep Dive

Container Selection

Size guidelines:

• Minimum: 12 inches wide × 12 inches deep
• Better: 18-24 inches wide × 18 inches deep
• Ideal for clumps: 24+ inches wide

Container Growing Tips

1. Use rich, well-draining potting mix
2. Add slow-release fertilizer at planting
3. Water when top inch of soil is dry
4. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks in growing season
5. Repot or divide every 2-3 years
6. Rotate container for even growth

Culinary Uses and Preservation

Preparing Lemongrass for Cooking

Stalk preparation:

1. Trim off root end and top portion
2. Remove 2-3 tough outer layers
3. Use bottom 4-6 inches (pale portion)
4. Slice thin, mince, or bruise

Flavor extraction methods:

• Sliced thin: Releases flavor quickly
• Bruised whole: Infuses flavor, easy to remove
• Minced: Maximum flavor, remains in dish
• Paste: Blended with other aromatics

Preservation Methods

Freezing (best for flavor):

1. Trim and clean stalks
2. Cut into usable portions (4-6 inch pieces)
3. Wrap individually in plastic
4. Place in freezer bags
5. Use within 6 months

Drying (for tea primarily):

1. Cut stalks and leaves into small pieces
2. Spread on dehydrator trays or screens
3. Dry at 95-115°F until completely dry
4. Store in airtight containers
5. Use within 1 year

Making lemongrass paste:

1. Clean and chop stalks
2. Blend with small amount of oil
3. Freeze in ice cube trays
4. Transfer to freezer bags
5. Use from frozen

Seasonal Care Calendar

Conclusion

Mastering lemongrass growing in any climate requires understanding its tropical nature and adapting your approach accordingly. With proper propagation, overwintering strategies, and harvest techniques, you can enjoy fresh lemongrass year-round—even in cold climates.

Ready for more? Our Advanced Guide covers intensive production methods, essential oil chemistry, and commercial growing strategies.