The tropical grass Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a fragrant herb prized in Southeast Asian cuisine for its distinctly citrusy flavor. Propagating this plant is surprisingly easy, often requiring nothing more than the stalks purchased from a local grocery store. This simple process allows home cooks and gardeners to turn a few stalks into a lush, productive plant. By following a straightforward sequence of rooting the stalks in water before transitioning them into soil, anyone can successfully grow their own continuous supply of fresh lemongrass.
Preparing Stalks for Propagation
Successfully growing lemongrass begins with selecting firm, fresh stalks at the market. Ensure the entire base, or bulb, is intact, as this pale, swollen section contains the root nodes necessary for propagation. If the base is woody or dried out, slice a thin sliver off the bottom to expose fresh tissue, encouraging water absorption and root emergence.
Trim the grassy tops of the stalks before rooting. Cutting the upper leaves back by about two-thirds reduces the plant’s need to support foliage, allowing it to focus energy on developing new roots. Also, remove any brown, dried, or damaged outer leaves, as this prevents decay and fungal growth in the water.
Rooting Stalks in Water
Place the prepared stalks upright in a clear glass or jar, ensuring the bottom inch or two of the base is fully submerged. Position the container in a bright location that receives indirect sunlight, such as a sunny kitchen counter, to encourage growth without overheating the water.
Change the water every one to three days to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. This keeps the submerged section clean and prevents rot that could halt root development. Small white rootlets typically begin to emerge from the base of the stalk within one to two weeks. Allow the roots to grow to a length of at least one or two inches, which usually takes two to four weeks, before moving the stalks to soil.
Moving Rooted Stalks to Soil
The transition to a permanent growing medium requires careful preparation. Choose a container with excellent drainage holes, as lemongrass needs consistent moisture but is highly susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. The ideal soil mix should be rich and well-draining, such as quality potting soil amended with organic compost or a sandy loam.
When planting, gently create a hole large enough to accommodate the delicate new root system without bending or damaging it. Position the stalk so the roots and the white, bulbous portion of the base are covered by the soil, avoiding burial of the green stem growth. Water the soil thoroughly after planting to settle the medium around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This initial watering minimizes transplant shock as the plant adjusts to the soil environment.
Maintaining the Established Plant
Once established, the lemongrass plant requires specific environmental conditions to thrive and produce thick, harvestable stalks. As a tropical plant, it grows best in full sun, needing a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In cooler climates, it is often best grown in a container that can be moved indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
The plant enjoys consistent moisture, so the soil should be kept evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring the roots do not dry out, especially during hot weather. A regular application of a balanced liquid fertilizer or a top-dressing of compost every few weeks during the active growing season supports rapid growth. Stalks are ready for harvest once they reach about a half-inch in thickness, and they should be cut at the base to encourage the plant to continue forming new growth.