Growing Lemongrass in Pots: A Complete Guide with Pictures

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is most commonly used in Asian cuisine. Its citrusy, lemony flavor pairs well with curries, soups, and seafood dishes. While lemongrass grows best outdoors in warm climates, it can also be grown successfully in pots, allowing anyone to enjoy fresh lemongrass at home. In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing lemongrass in pots, with plenty of pictures to illustrate each step.

Choosing the Right Pot for Lemongrass

The most important consideration when choosing a pot for lemongrass is size. Lemongrass has a large, spreading root system and can grow quite tall For one plant, select a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep This will provide enough room for the roots to establish themselves.

Terra cotta and ceramic pots work well, as they allow airflow to the roots. You can also use fabric grow bags, as they will air prune the roots if they start to escape from the sides. Avoid using small plastic pots, as the roots may break through the sides as the plant grows.

![Lemongrass in a terra cotta pot][]

Lemongrass growing in a terra cotta pot. Image via Don LaVange, CC BY-SA 2.0

Only plant one lemongrass stalk per pot, giving each plant enough space to grow into a healthy clump.

Getting Lemongrass Starts for Your Pots

There are a few different ways to get lemongrass transplants for your pots:

• Division: If you or a friend already have an established lemongrass plant, you can dig up and divide it, replanting separated stalks and roots. Look for sections with plenty of healthy roots.
• Rooting lemongrass stalks: Purchase fresh lemongrass stalks from the store. Cut off the top leaves and place the stalks in water to root the base. Plant in pots once roots are 1-2 inches long.
• Seeds: You can also start lemongrass from seeds indoors. Plant 2-3 seeds per pot, 1/4 inch deep. Thin out extra seedlings. Grow lights may be needed to get seeds started.

Dividing existing plants or rooting store-bought stalks will be faster than growing from seed. But seeds can work if you don’t have an existing plant.![Lemongrass seedlings][]

Lemongrass started from seed. Image by Imaas181 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Lemongrass thrives in a rich, well-draining potting mix. The ideal pH is between 6.5-7. Look for a commercial mix made for herbs and vegetables, or make your own by blending:

• 1 part compost
• 1 part coconut coir
• 1 part composted wood chips

Add dolomite lime or wood ash if the mix is too acidic. Mix in perlite or sand to improve drainage if needed. Moisten the soil before planting.

Where to Place Your Lemongrass Pots

Lemongrass thrives with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Grow outdoors in full sun during warm seasons. Bring pots inside before temperatures dip below 50°F.

You can also grow lemongrass year-round indoors near a sunny window. Rotate pots to ensure even sun exposure. Grow lights can supplement natural light in winter.

Keep pots in a warm spot with temperatures between 65-86°F. Heat-loving lemongrass may decline in cooler indoor conditions. Moving pots to a sunroom or conservatory in winter can help maintain warmth.![Lemongrass pots on a patio][]

Lemongrass pots growing happily on an outdoor patio. Image via Erin Fado on Pinterest

Watering and Fertilizing Potted Lemongrass

Lemongrass requires consistently moist (but not soggy) soil to thrive in pots. Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Drench pots fully until water drains from the bottom.

Soil dries out quicker in pots than in the ground. You may need to water pots daily in hot weather. Reduce watering frequency in winter.

Feed actively growing lemongrass every 1-2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, or use a slow-release granular fertilizer as directed on the package. This will provide the nutrients needed for vigorous growth.

Harvesting Lemongrass from Pots

Snip outer stalks near the base of the plant whenever they reach 1/2 inch diameter. Frequent harvesting prevents overgrowth and encourages new shoots.

In warmer climates, lemongrass may be harvested year-round. Take only 1/3 of stalks at each harvest to maintain the plant’s health.

Let lemongrass flower in autumn to enjoy the beautiful lavender blooms. Trim back any dead foliage at the end of the season. Mulch pots with straw to protect roots from freezing.![Lemongrass flowers][]

Allow lemongrass to flower in autumn to enjoy the lovely blooms. Image by Hectonichus via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Dividing Overgrown Lemongrass

If lemongrass outgrows its pot, divide the plant in early spring or fall. Gently remove from the pot and carefully separate into pieces, keeping the root ball intact on each section. Replant individual sections in new pots with fresh potting mix.

Dividing every few years encourages healthier plants and more abundant harvests long-term. This simple maintenance will keep your potted lemongrass thriving for many years to come!

Troubleshooting Common Lemongrass Problems

Growing lemongrass in pots is relatively easy, but a few issues can arise:

• Slow growth: This is often caused by cool temperatures or insufficient light. Move pots to the sunniest window or under grow lights. Keep indoor temperatures warm.
• Yellow or drooping leaves: Overwatering can cause root rot and leaf wilt. Allow soil to dry between waterings and reduce watering frequency.
• Small new growth: Underfertilizing leads to stunted plants. Fertilize regularly to encourage vigorous growth. Repot in fresh soil if nutrients are depleted.
• Leaf tips browning: Hot, dry air causes leaf burn. Increase humidity around plants by misting daily or placing pots on pebble trays.
• Few stalks: Harvest outer stalks frequently to encourage new shoots. Also divide overcrowded plants.

With the right care, you can enjoy an abundant harvest of homegrown lemongrass using the tips in this guide. The beautiful grassy plants also make a lovely addition to any indoor herb garden. Getting started is easy if you follow these simple steps for growing lemongrass successfully in pots.