Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, clumping aromatic grass with a fresh citrus fragrance, grown widely in India for culinary and herbal use. It forms dense fountains of slender arching leaves and thickened stem bases used in teas, soups, Thai and Southeast Asian dishes, and as a soothing herbal infusion. A hardy tropical perennial, it thrives in full sun and warm conditions with moderate watering, growing fast in pots, grow bags or garden beds. Its lemony oils also help repel mosquitoes. Easy to grow and divide, a single clump quickly multiplies into a generous, low-maintenance supply of fragrant stalks and leaves.
Specifications
| Family |
Poaceae |
| Native region |
Tropical Asia |
| Mature height |
90-150 cm |
| Mature spread |
60-90 cm (clumping) |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Aromatic slender arching green blades |
| Flower colour |
Rarely flowers in cultivation |
| Flower season |
ā |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun, at least 6 hours, for the strongest aroma and growth. |
| Watering |
Water regularly to keep moist; tolerates brief dryness once established. |
| Soil / mix |
Fertile, well-draining loam; tolerates a range of soils. |
| Temperature |
Loves 20-35C warmth; protect from frost. |
| Humidity |
Enjoys warm, humid conditions. |
| Fertilizer |
Feed monthly with nitrogen-rich fertilizer for lush blades. |
| Pruning |
Trim old/brown leaves; harvest by cutting stalks at the base. |
| Repotting |
Divide and repot every 1-2 years as the clump expands. |
| Propagation |
Very easy by clump division; stalks can root in water. |
| Pests & problems |
Largely pest-resistant; occasional rust or leaf spot. |
| Toxicity / safety |
Edible/culinary; non-toxic to humans, mild caution for pets. |
| Difficulty |
Very easy. |
Uses
Used fresh in teas, soups, curries and Thai cooking, and as a calming herbal infusion; its citrus oils also serve as a natural mosquito repellent.
Growing tips
Lemongrass thrives in India's heat - grow it in full sun with regular water and feeding through the warm season; lift and divide overgrown clumps in spring, and protect potted plants from frost in northern winters.