How to Grow Lemongrass in a Pot

Lemongrass, a tropical perennial herb, grows easily in a sunny herb garden. Gardeners living in climates where it freezes during the winter might grow lemongrass in a pot. When the growing season ends in the autumn, protect the lemongrass from freezing weather during the winter months. With basic care, this flavorful and attractive herb will thrive and produce lemongrass for your cooking needs.

12-inch and 14-inch containers

Potting media (with slow-release fertilizer incorporated)

2 lemongrass plants

Pruning shears

Fill a 12-inch container approximately two-thirds full of potting media.

Remove the lemongrass plants from the temporary containers and place them into the container, spacing them about 4 inches apart in the center of the container.

Add additional potting media around the plant roots to fill the container up to the top. Firm the soil gently with your hands to finish planting the lemongrass plants.

Place the container in a sunny location outdoors after the final spring frost.

Provide water for the lemongrass whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Pour the water over the soil until it runs freely out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.

Harvest lemongrass from the plants when the stalks become 1/2-inch thick. Cut off the stalks just above the soil level with the pruning shears.

Move the lemongrass pot into the house before the first autumn frost to protect it from cold temperatures. Place the container in a location that receives as much sun as possible.

Continue to water the lemongrass throughout the winter.

Repot the lemongrass in the spring before you move it back outside. Use a 14-inch container to accommodate the larger plants. Provide fresh potting media to give the plants a new supply of nutrients and slow-release fertilizer throughout the growing season.

Move the lemongrass back outside after the final spring frost.