How to Grow Lemongrass in Australia
A year-round herb crop for the home garden
Growing Lemongrass at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step.
This guide covers when to plant Lemongrass in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Lemongrass is a year-round crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Lemongrass full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 3 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 80 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 21 days, fastest when the soil is between 22 and 30 degrees.
Perennial clump in SEQ. Buy a pot or root a supermarket stalk in water. Harvest outer stalks anytime, it keeps regrowing.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
The main diseases to watch are Rust. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Lemongrass is typically ready to harvest in about 6 months.
In the Kitchen
Nutritionally: aids digestion and reduces inflammation and contains antioxidants and minerals.
Track Your Lemongrass Growing
Add lemongrass to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemongrass in Australia?
Lemongrass is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Lemongrass take to grow?
Lemongrass is generally ready to harvest in about 6 months.
How much sun does Lemongrass need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Lemongrass in the Plant Library
