How to Grow Lemongrass From Stalk

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Are you looking for a new and exciting herb to grow in your garden? Why not try lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that thrives in hot, humid climates. It can be grown from a stalk and is easy to care for.

In this blog post, we will teach you how to grow lemongrass from a stem. We will also share tips on caring for your lemongrass plant. Keep reading to learn more!

10 Lemongrass Pot not Included Each 4" Inch Tall Rooted Pot not Included (LEGENDARY-YES)

What Is Lemongrass?

  • Lemongrass is a delicious addition to many Asian dishes, and it’s relatively easy to grow your own at home.
  • Lemongrass is a plant that is native to tropical regions of Asia. The long, grassy leaves have a strong citrus scent and can be used to add flavor to food.
  • Lemongrass is also known for its volatile oils used in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics.
  • In addition, lemongrass has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments such as colds, headaches, and stomach problems.

Read Growing Lemongrass in Pots

How To Grow Lemongrass from Stalk

 All you need is a fresh lemongrass stalk and some patience. To get started:

Yunakesa 5 Live Lemongrass Stalks Plugs Cymbopogon Sereh Plant Healthy Herb Lemon Grass

  • Trim off any old brown leaves from the stalk.
  • Place the stalk in a jar of water and set it in a sunny spot.
  • Change the water every few days; within a week or two, you should see roots beginning to form.
  • Once the roots are several inches long, it’s time to plant the lemongrass in nutrient-rich soil.

Again, be sure to water it regularly, and you’ll have your lemongrass plant in no time!

Step – 1: Start With a Fresh Stem

Ensure you have the whole stem because propagation won’t work otherwise. Please have a few stems because not all of them will sprout.

Step – 2: Trim Old Brown Leaves

  • Cut off the stiff, uppermost leaves, where they begin to split. Next, make a fresh cut through the top of the stalks, a few inches down.
  • Eliminating the dead vegetation makes the area look cleaner because it will eventually fall off and become sticky.

Step – 3: Place the Stalks in Water

Add a couple of inches of water to the stems in a container or vase. Put the container in a bright area. Wait a week before the leaves start to emerge.

Step – 4: Change the Water Frequently Until the Root Grows Long

Before planting, wait until the stalks have split into two (through branch stalks) and the roots are at least 3 inches long.

Step – 5: Plant the Lemongrass in Nutrient-Rich Soil

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  • Finally, plant them in nutrient-rich soil. In the continental USA, lemongrass grows faster in the summer outside than inside during winter.
  • For example, lemongrass grown during summer in California was ready to be transplanted in three weeks, while lemongrass grown in Oregon during winter took four weeks to sprout.

Read How to grow Lemongrass From Cuttings

Growing Conditions for Lemongrass

  • Lemongrass is a tropical plant that requires particular growing conditions. It requires full sunlight and cannot survive in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Lemongrass grows best in sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
  • Lemongrass needs to be kept away from cold, moist soil. It can be grown indoors in pots, but the grower must keep the soil warm.
  • Growing lemongrass in a greenhouse or indoors is an excellent way to extend the plant’s growing season.

Also, read: Why Is My Lemongrass Leaves Turning Yellow?

Soil and Nutrition Requirements for Lemongrass

  • Lemongrass plants thrive in sandy soil with a pH between 5 and 8. They do best when the soil is kept moist but not soggy. Lemongrass plants need full sunlight for about six hours a day.
  • Lemongrass plants need lots of water but should not be overwatered. Watering lemongrass properly requires letting the soil dry out slightly between watering.
  • Fertilizing lemongrass plants with compost or other organic matter helps them thrive. Lemongrass plants respond well to a balanced fertilizer and must be fed regularly.

Live Lemongrass Plant, Cymbopogon Citratus, 6 to 7 stalks - 12 to 14 inches - Well Established Rooted

Read What to Plant With Lemongrass

When To Plant Lemongrass?

  • Lemongrass plants are tropical and need the warm climate of spring and summer to thrive.
  • Therefore, if you’re in milder climate states, like Washington, the best time to plant lemongrass is in the spring, when the days are warm and sunny.
  • Lemongrass will grow in tropical and subtropical climates, but they also do well in pots indoors.
  • Lemongrass plants can be grown indoors year-round, but they will be more productive outside in the summer.

FAQs

Below, let’s take a look at the most common questions people have about growing lemongrass from stalk.

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Can you grow lemongrass from scraps?

-> You may be surprised to learn that you can regrow lemongrass from scraps. All you need is a few inches of the stalk, some water, and a pot.
-> First, cut off the bottom inch or so of the lemongrass stalk.
Then, place the stalk in a glass or jar of water. Keep the pot in a sunny spot, and change the water every few days. After a week or so, you should see new growth.
-> Once the lemongrass has reached about six inches in height, it can be transplanted into a pot.
-> With some care, your lemongrass plant will thrive and provide you with delicious stalks for months.

Can I plant supermarket lemongrass?

-> Yes, you can plant supermarket lemongrass. You can propagate supermarket lemongrass by rooting the bottom 3-4 inches of a store-bought stalk in water. Keep the water fresh, and you should see roots developing in about two weeks.
-> Once the roots are an inch or longer, you can plant the lemongrass in a moist potting mix. Be sure to plant it at the same depth it was growing in the water.
-> Allow the top of the potting mixture to dry out between watering and fertilize monthly with half-strength balanced fertilizer.

Can you grow lemongrass indoors?

-> Most people think of lemongrass as a tropical herb, but it can be grown in many climates. It is necessary to grow lemongrass indoors in cold areas.
-> If you plant lemongrass outside during winter, it will not survive.
The good news is that lemongrass is relatively easy to grow and can be a great addition to any indoor herb garden.
-> Lemongrass prefers warm, humid conditions, so it is best to grow it in a sunny spot near a window. The soil should be well-drained and moist, and you must water the plants regularly.

Will lemongrass grow in water without soil?

-> Yes, lemongrass can grow in water without soil.
In addition to avoiding the mess that comes with utilizing a soil mixture, growing lemongrass hydroponically can also lead to a 20–50% faster growth rate.
-> The plant will still need access to nutrients, so you’ll need to use a water-based fertilizer. You’ll also need to ensure that the roots don’t sit in water for too long, leading to root rot.
-> Overall, growing lemongrass hydroponically is a great way to get faster results without all the hassle of traditional gardening.

How do you grow lemongrass from scratch?

-> Lemongrass is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It can be grown indoors or outdoors but it will need ample sunlight and consistent moisture to thrive.
-> The best way to start lemongrass from scratch is to purchase a few stalks from your local grocery store or farmers’ market. Choose stalks that are firm and green, and cut off the bottom inch or so.
-> You can then place the stalks in a jar or water vase, ensuring that the bottom inch is submerged. Keep the jar in a bright spot, and replace the water every few days.
Within a few weeks, you should see roots beginning to form.

How long does lemongrass take to grow from cuttings?

-> Lemongrass is an excellent option for gardeners looking to add flavor to their landscape. This versatile herb can be used in various dishes, and it’s easy to grow from cuttings.
-> Lemongrass can take up to three weeks to root in water.
After that, the tops of the stalks should begin to develop new leaves, and the bottoms of the bulbs should begin to develop new roots during that period.
-> Once the roots are established, you can transplant the plant into the soil. With proper care, lemongrass will continue producing fresh stalks for years.

Can you root lemongrass in water?

-> Many people are surprised to learn that lemongrass can be rooted in water.
-> To do so, place the lemongrass stalks in a jar with the bulbs pointing down, and add an inch or two of water to the bottom of the jar. The stalks will then develop new roots for three weeks.
-> Once the roots are established, you can plant the lemongrass in the soil. Although it is possible to root lemongrass in water, it is important to note that this method is not always successful.
-> In some cases, the stalks may rot before they develop new roots. Use fresh, healthy lemongrass stalks from a reputable source for best results.

Read How Do You Keep the Lemongrass Plant Healthy?

How to grow lemongrass from stalk
How to grow lemongrass from stalk

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Bottom Line

Lemongrass is fragrant grass that is easy to grow from a stalk.

  • Cut off the top of the stalk, place it in water, and wait for new roots to form.
  • Once the roots have grown, plant the lemongrass in soil and water regularly.
  • Lemongrass can be used fresh or dried in cooking. It has a citrusy flavor that pairs well with Thai cuisine.

Have you tried growing your lemongrass? What dishes did you make with it? Let us know in the comments below!