Starting Lemongrass Seeds Indoors for a Head Start on the Growing Season
Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy herb that adds incredible citrus flavor to Asian dishes. While it can be grown as a perennial plant in warmer climates, starting lemongrass from seed indoors extends the growing season and provides transplants a head start before planting outside in cooler areas.
When to Start Lemongrass Seeds Indoors
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected spring frost
- Lemongrass needs warm soil of at least 65°F to germinate well
- Get a jump on the growing season by starting seeds in late winter/early spring
- This gives seedlings time to develop strong roots before transplanting outside
Selecting the Right Container for Starting Seeds
- Use seed starting trays or pots with drainage holes
- Minimum 2-3 inch deep cells or containers work well
- Shallow trays or containers dry out too quickly for good germination
- Covers help retain humidity and heat for germination
- Clear plastic dome lids or plastic wrap over trays work as covers
Getting the Seeding Medium Ready
- Quality potting mix provides drainage and nutrition for starting seeds
- Mix in extra perlite or vermiculite to lighten texture
- Wet starter mix well before sowing and let excess water drain out
- Use a spray bottle to mist soil after sowing to keep surface moist
Sowing Lemongrass Seeds
- Fill starter cells with moist soil and level surface
- Plant 1-2 seeds per cell, 1/4 inch deep
- Gently water after sowing with a fine mist to avoid displacing seeds
- Top trays with a clear humidity dome or plastic wrap
- Keep seeds warm, ideally 70-80°F for fastest germination
Caring for Seedlings Under Lights
- Place under grow lights after sprouting, 2-4 inches above plants
- Keep soil moist but not saturated while seedlings establish
- Remove humidity dome once first true leaves appear
- Thin to one strong seedling per cell after sprouting
- Give seedlings a gentle breeze with a small fan to strengthen stems
- Harden off plants before transplanting outside in spring
Transplanting Lemongrass Outdoors
- Move seedlings outside after hardening off when soil is 65°F
- Transplant on a mild, cloudy day to avoid transplant shock
- Space plants 12-15 inches apart in full sun
- Dig holes the width of the root ball and plant at same level as in pots
- Water transplants well and provide shade for a few days if hot
By starting lemongrass seeds indoors, you can give this tropical herb a head start on the growing season. Follow these simple tips for the best germination rates and healthy, vigorous transplants ready to enhance your cooking with lemony flavor.
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FAQ
Does lemongrass grow back every year?
What temperature kills lemongrass?
Does lemongrass grow well in pots?
Is lemongrass difficult to grow?
How do you grow lemongrass from seed?
To grow lemongrass from seed: Choose a location with well-drained soil and a pH of 6.5 to 7 in either full sun or part-shade. Sow the seeds 1/8 of an inch (5mm) deep with a spacing of 12 inches (30cm). Water well. The seeds should start to germinate within 10 to 14 days. Thin out the seedlings so that you have 1 plant every 12 inches (30cm).
How long does lemongrass take to grow?
And the germination rate of lemongrass is low at around 50%. It’s best to sprinkle several seeds into each pot, then thin them out once they emerge. The seeds should germinate within 10-14 days. When they have an inch or so of growth, thin to just a few plants per cell or pot.
Can you grow lemongrass indoors?
Keep in mind that it is possible to grow lemongrass in cooler climates, provided that you grow it in a pot or container that can be brought indoors during the winter. If you are in a cooler climate, then transplant seedlings into larger pots.
What temperature do lemongrass seeds need to germinate?
Lemongrass seeds require a minimum temperature of 68°-70° Fahrenheit (20°-21° Celsius) to germinate. While waiting for the seeds to germinate, it is also important to keep your seed starting medium evenly moist but not waterlogged. Another important note is that lemongrass seeds need light to germinate.
How deep do you plant lemongrass seeds?
The planting depth listed on the seed packet is 1/16” because lemongrass seeds need light for germination. It only takes 7 to 14 days for the seeds to germinate. 2 – Keep the soil at a nice tropical temperature of 68º to 86°F. This is easier to do indoors using supplemental heat, such as a seedling heat mat.
How do you propagate lemongrass?
As mentioned above, there are a few different methods used to to propagate lemongrass. It can be grown from cuttings or divisions, but these methods only work if you or a friend already have an established plant. Growing from seed is rare and difficult, but it’s the cheapest way to grow plants from scratch.