herb
EdibleLemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Likes consistently moist soil; don’t let it dry out.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
Lemongrass is a tropical grass grown for its lemony lower stalks used in Southeast Asian cooking. It is easy to regrow from a grocery stalk but needs warmth, a big pot, and steady moisture. It is toxic to pets.
About Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical grass grown for the lemony lower stalks used in Southeast Asian cooking. It originates in South and Southeast Asia and is a fixture of Thai and Vietnamese kitchens. For a renter the easy entry is a grocery stalk: stand one with its base intact in water until roots and shoots form, then pot it. A single clump multiplies into several harvestable stalks over a season and keeps dividing, so one purchase can supply you for a long time.
It needs warmth, bright light, a roomy 8-litre pot, and steady moisture, since it drinks heavily. The clump grows tall and grassy, around 0.6 to 1 m, so give it space. Harvest the thick outer stalks at the base and let the center keep multiplying. Skip seed and start from a stalk instead. A first harvest usually comes around 75 to 120 days after rooting and potting.
What it’s like to grow
Lemongrass is easy as long as it's warm and well watered. Browning leaf tips usually mean dry air or inconsistent watering, and growth stalls in cool temperatures or weak light. Give it the brightest spot and don't let it dry out, since it's a thirsty, high-water plant. One thing to flag: lemongrass is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep the pot out of a grazing pet's reach. A good pick for a grower with a warm, sunny corner who cooks Southeast Asian food and wants a renewable supply.
What to expect
First harvest in about 75–120 days. It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓♻ Regrow from scraps
Stand a store-bought stalk with its base intact in water until roots and new shoots form, then pot it.
Companions
Tips
- Start from a fresh grocery stalk rooted in water rather than from seed.
- Keep it warm and give it the brightest light and a roomy pot.
- Harvest the thick outer stalks at the base and let the clump keep multiplying.
Common problems
- Browning leaf tips from dry air or inconsistent watering.
- Stalled growth in cool temperatures or low light.
Common questions
Is Lemongrass toxic to cats and dogs?
Lemongrass is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Lemongrass need?
Lemongrass wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Lemongrass?
Keep Lemongrass's soil consistently moist. It likes regular water and dislikes drying out, so check it often in warm or dry rooms.
What temperature does Lemongrass need?
Lemongrass is happiest around 20–30 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 7 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
How long does Lemongrass take to grow?
Expect a first harvest about 75–120 days from sowing under good conditions. A single clump multiplies into several harvestable stalks over a season and keeps dividing.
Can I grow Lemongrass without a sunny window?
Yes. Lemongrass does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Lemongrass get?
A grassy upright clump ~0.6–1 m tall; grow as a single expanding clump per pot.
How do I propagate Lemongrass?
Split a clump into rooted stalks, or root a fresh stalk base in water.
What pests affect Lemongrass?
Watch for spider mites and aphids. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Lemongrass easy to grow?
Yes. Lemongrass is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Lemongrass
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice; only eat plants you can positively identify as the edible plant and part described. Photo: David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.