Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
sim-boh-POH-gon sih-TRAH-tus
Edibles: Herb
Citronella Grass
Min. Temp
Half-Hardy: 32°
Used widely in the Caribbean and in Asian dishes. An essential ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Attractive, needle-like leaves with deep plum-purple flowers with blue, white and yellow flares. This is a pungent zesty lemon flavor and aroma, use in small amounts. The clean citrus flavor mixes well with garlic, cilantro and chilies. Both the stalks and blades are used.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Blooming Time
Mid Summer - Fall
Habit
Upright
Height
36–60 in
Spread
24–36 in
Form
Panicle
Characteristics
Type
Open-Pollinated
Safety
Edible Parts
Growth Rate
Fast
Tolerance/Resistance
Heat Tolerant
Attracts
Doesn't Attract Beneficials
Uses/Placement
Culinary
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun: 8-12 hrs
Soil Texture
Sandy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Average to Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
PH Correction
High pH can reduce nutrient uptake
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Heavy Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Rooting & Blooming
Fertilizer Timing
Early Spring
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Wind Pollinated
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Do Not Divide
Fruit and Pollination
Days to Harvest
90 Days
Fruit Size
Large
Fruit Characteristics
Citrus Flavor
Ploidy
Diploid