Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)
- Herman Kraut
- Oct 5
- 5 min read
Common Name: Lemongrass, West Indian lemongrass, Fever grass
Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Plant Family: Poaceae
Lifecycle: Perennial (frost-sensitive, often grown as annual in cooler climates)
Lemongrass is a clumping tropical grass known for its citrus-scented leaves and stalks, making it both a culinary delight and a natural pest deterrent. Growing Cymbopogon citratus in Zone 8a takes some seasonal adaptation, as plants die back in winter but revive vigorously in spring. Beyond the kitchen, its tall, bright-green tufts also add striking structure to Mediterranean herb gardens.
For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.
Plant Profile
Characteristic | Information |
Climate Suitability | USDA Zones 8–11 (with protection); Köppen Csa (Mediterranean) |
Sun / Shade Needs | Full sun (6–8 hours daily) |
Watering Needs | Moderate; weekly deep watering in summer, drought-tolerant once established |
Soil Preferences | Well-drained sandy-loam or loam; pH 6.0–7.5 |
Spacing & Height | Space 60–90 cm (2–3 ft); clumps 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) tall |
Propagation Method(s) | Division of clumps, rooted stalks in water/pots |
Planting Timeline | Spring after last frost; overwinter indoors if in pots |
Companion Plants | Basil, mint, chili peppers, ginger |
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses | Culinary herb (soups, curries, teas), pest deterrent (mosquitoes), antioxidant-rich |
Pest / Disease Considerations | Generally pest-free; root rot in poorly drained soils |
Pruning / Harvest Notes | Cut stalks near base for kitchen use; trim dead leaves in spring after frost |
Quick Plant Reference
Care Level: Easy
Optimal Sunlight: Full sun
Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant when mature
Mature Size: 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) tall, spreading clump
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy/loamy soil
Humidity: Medium
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets
Beneficial Pollinators: Rarely flowers in cooler climates, but foliage shelters beneficial insects
Health Benefits: Supports digestion, rich in antioxidants, calming tea herb
Chilling Hours: Not applicable (tender perennial)
Pollination Requirements: Not applicable (propagated vegetatively)
Our Cymbopogon citratus Application @ Tough Kraut
Our first lemongrass plant came from a local market and became the backbone of a small kitchen-herb garden beside our mobile-home trailer. While other herbs faded through dry summers, lemongrass thrived—forming a lush green clump that returned every spring after frost. In the heat of summer, its fresh green clumps stand out against the dry Mediterranean backdrop, while in the kitchen it becomes tea, curry flavoring, and a natural insect repellent.
Over the years, we’ve divided and expanded it into pots, outdoor beds, and even into our greenhouse. Inside the greenhouse, lemongrass grows directly in soil beside Canna indica and our banana-circle guild—an unlikely trio that shares moisture, warmth, and rich composted mulch. The result: vigorous, tall growth and fragrant harvests long after the outdoor clumps have gone dormant.
Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Note: Lemongrass in Zone 8a will die back after frost. Don’t panic—cut back dead leaves in spring and watch it regrow.
1. Choose the Right Site
Select a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Lemongrass loves warmth and thrives in microclimates near patios, walls, or walkways.
2. Prepare the Soil
Work in compost for fertility and add sand if drainage is poor. Raised beds or pots improve survival in wetter winters.
3. Plant the Grass
Plant divisions or rooted stalks after the last frost. Space 60–90 cm apart to allow clump expansion.
4. Water Consistently
Keep soil evenly moist in the first season. Once established, lemongrass tolerates dry spells but grows best with deep, occasional watering.
5. Ensure Proper Pollination
Not applicable—lemongrass is vegetatively propagated. Focus on dividing healthy clumps for expansion.
6. Prune Annually
In spring, cut away dead leaves and frost-killed stalks. This jumpstarts new green growth.
7. Manage Pests and Diseases
Lemongrass is mostly trouble-free. Avoid soggy soils to prevent root rot.
8. Harvest and Store
Harvest stalks at the base once clumps mature. Use fresh in cooking or dry/freeze for teas. Leaves can be bundled for infusions.
9. Note
If overwintering outdoors, mulch heavily. Alternatively, pot divisions and overwinter them indoors to guarantee continuity.
Kraut Crew Insight
Our lemongrass clumps are proof that not all tropicals are high-maintenance. A little patience after frosts and a sharp knife for harvests are all you need. It’s a green oasis in our parched summers and a steady kitchen ally.
Photos
Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Lemongrass Cultivation Challenges
Growing lemongrass in Zone 8a often raises troubleshooting questions—especially around winter dieback and propagation. This FAQ-style section gathers our field notes for fellow growers:
Q: My lemongrass looks dead after winter. Did I lose it?
A: Likely not! Lemongrass dies back with frost but regrows from the base in spring. Cut back the brown leaves and wait for warm weather.
Q: Can I propagate lemongrass from store-bought stalks?
A: Yes—choose fresh stalks with intact bases. Root them in water until new shoots appear, then transplant.
Q: Why are my clumps thin instead of bushy?
A: They may need more sun or nutrients. Side-dress with compost in spring and water deeply during heat waves.
Q: How do I keep lemongrass alive through cold winters?
A: Dig up a portion of the clump and overwinter it indoors in a pot. Replant divisions once frost risk has passed.
Q: Does lemongrass attract or repel insects?
A: Its citrus oils repel mosquitoes and some garden pests, while the dense foliage provides cover for beneficials like spiders and lady beetles.
Recommended Books & Resources
Books
Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (DK/RHS)
A classic, photo-rich A-to-Z with cultivation, propagation, and usage notes; great for quick lookups on Cymbopogon citratus and companion herbs.
Homegrown Herbs: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying More than 100 Herbs by Tammi Hartung
Practical, gardener-friendly how-tos on propagation, harvest, drying, and real kitchen use; excellent for dividing and rooting lemongrass.
The New Healing Herbs (Revised & Updated) by Michael Castleman
Evidence-minded overview of medicinal uses, safety, and preparations; helpful for writing about lemongrass tea, digestion, and antioxidant notes.
Culinary Herbs and Spices of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk
Botanically rigorous yet accessible; ties cultivation details to flavor chemistry and kitchen use, perfect for Asian-style lemongrass applications.
Resources
Essential Oil / Hydrosol Steam Distillation Kit (home scale, stainless or glass options)
Turn surplus lemongrass leaves into hydrosol for natural insect spray or household scenting. Surprisingly approachable for homesteaders; a fun science-meets-permaculture project.
Jump Start Germination Station with Heat Mat & Humidity Dome (72-cell)
Not just for seeds; the gentle bottom heat + dome dramatically increases success when rooting lemongrass stalks or divisions. Most gardeners don’t realize how well this setup works for herb propagation.
Haxnicks Easy Fleece Jackets (frost covers)
Pop-over plant “jackets” that let air and moisture through while buffering Zone 8a cold snaps; ideal to help borderline-hardy lemongrass clumps bounce through winter with much less dieback.
Tough Kraut Resources
Our evolving toolkit of tested herbal gear, teas, and garden tools we use on the homestead.
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