Lemon Grass Seeds

Start Lemon Grass plant seeds indoors 3 weeks prior to your last frost date, but not earlier, since seedlings need warmth to germinate and develop. Plant them on the surface of moist, well-draining seed starting mix, since cymbopogon citratus seeds for planting need light for germination, which means they should not be covered. The soil temperature is the critical factor, and holding it between 75–86°F is important for fast sprouting. It will take 5-21 days for the seeds to germinate, depending on how consistent the soil temperature is.

Lemongrass requires full sun to grow well. It prefers well-drained soil that should be kept moist, but never wet, as this slows growth significantly. Well-established plants can survive short droughts quite well, but consistent moisture during growth periods results in thick stalks.  If you're growing Lemon Grass seeds for planting in containers, use a pot at least 12 inches deep to give the fibrous root mass room to develop.

When transplanting, mix a nitrogen-rich fertilizer into the soil, such as alfalfa meal or blood meal, and finish off with an occasional liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion during the growing season. When the plants are about 75 days old, they become dark green and at least 18 inches tall, they are ready for harvest. Cut at ground level, but be sure to wear gloves, as the edges of leaves are quite sharp. At the end of the season, trim back the plants to about 6 inches and stop watering. In zones 8-11, they will start new growth in the spring, but in colder zones you should bring the pots inside so they can survive the winter.