East Indian Lemon Grass - Key Growing Information

Container planting of East Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), grown from cleaned seed.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

7-14 days.

SOWING:

Transplant (recommended): Sow seed on soil surface and press into soil or cover lightly, as light aids germination. Moisten lightly and cover with a dome lid or other cover to conserve moisture. If available, use bottom heat to enhance germination. Keep soil temperature at around 68°F (20°C) until germination, or 68°F (20°C) at night and 86°F (30°C) during the day. Do not overwater. Transplant clumps into larger cells and grow in a warm place until after the last chance of frost has passed. When the minimum soil temperature is 45°F (7°C), transplant 3-4" tall seedlings in clumps or as individual plants outdoors. Space 8-12" apart in rows that are 18" apart. Keep moist and well weeded. Lemon grass does not tolerate frost. Rarely flowers as an annual. Can be dug and divided in the fall to pot up for overwintering indoors; or, start new plants each spring.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Average or moist soil.

PLANT HEIGHT:

18-48".

PLANT SPACING:

8-12" apart in rows that are 18" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Zones 9-11.

HARVEST:

Harvest leaf stalks from the outside of the clump to use in cooking or for tea. Begin picking anytime after clumps are well established and growing vigorously. Use fresh or dry. To dry, place in a warm, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Cymbopogon flexuosus