How to grow Lemongrass in Australia
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical clumping grass from India and Sri Lanka whose swollen stem bases give a fresh lemon flavour to curries, soups and sauces. It grows fast in heat, sun and moist soil, and in warm areas one clump supplies a household all year. Frost kills it, so in cool areas it is grown in a pot and moved under shelter for winter.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Lemongrass in Australia
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to March | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to March | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to February | Plant divisions Sep to Feb. Reliable on the frost free coast; in the west plant after the last frost and mulch the clump over winter. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Frost kills lemongrass; not viable in Melbourne. May overwinter indoors or in very sheltered north-facing spots (rare). |
| Adelaide & SA | October and November | Plant Oct to Nov after frost. Clumps brown off in winter cold; cut back hard in spring. Grow in pots in the Hills. |
| Perth & WA | September to November | Plant Sep to Nov. Clumps grow fast through summer with water and sulk in the cool wet winter; cut back hard in spring. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable outdoors. Frost kills it. Pot culture in a sunny room is the only option. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Lemongrass unsuitable for Canberra: tropical/subtropical grass; cannot tolerate Canberra frosts. Use lemon verbena instead. |
| North Queensland | September to March | Wet season Sep to Mar. Lemongrass is tropical staple herb. Thrives in humidity and heat year-round. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Wet season Sep to Mar. Lemongrass is tropical staple herb. Thrives in humidity and heat year-round. |
Not to be confused with: Native lemongrass (Cymbopogon ambiguus), an Australian grass with a similar scent, and Lemon Balm, a leafy herb with lemon-scented leaves.
Where to plant
Grow lemongrass in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil that stays moist through the warm months. It forms a large, evergreen clump of narrow leaves in warm, bright conditions. Give it room, about 80 cm from other plants, as clumps spread wide.
It is frost tender. In frosty gardens, frost can wipe out a clump in the ground over winter, so grow it in a large pot and move it under the eaves or into a sheltered, sunny spot in winter.
- North Queensland and Darwin: a tropical staple that thrives in the heat and humidity. Plant from September to March.
- South East Queensland and the Northern Rivers: plant from September to March. Grows year round.
- Sydney: plant divisions from September to February. Reliable on the frost-free coast; in the west plant after the last frost and mulch the clump over winter.
- Perth: plant from September to November. Clumps grow fast through summer with water and sulk in the cool, wet winter; cut back hard in spring.
- Adelaide: plant in October or November after frost. Clumps brown off in winter cold; cut back hard in spring. Grow in pots in the Adelaide Hills.
- Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart: our calendar marks these as unsuitable outdoors, as frost kills lemongrass. Grow it in a pot that spends winter indoors in a bright spot.
How to plant
- Buy a potted plant or a division from a nursery or another gardener. The RHS advises against starting from supermarket stems, which can carry plant diseases.
- Plant in spring or summer once the weather is warm, in soil dug through with compost, or in a large pot of quality potting mix.
- Water in well, then keep the soil moist while the plant establishes.
- Wear gloves when handling mature plants, as the leaf blades can be sharp.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly through the warm months; potted plants need checking often in hot weather to keep the mix evenly moist. Plants in the ground need watering mainly in dry spells once established. Water much less in winter when growth slows.
Feed through the growing season with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser for lush growth, or add a slow-release fertiliser to the potting mix in spring.
Pruning and care through the year
- Remove tatty or faded leaves. In cooler areas, cut the clump back hard in spring to clear winter-browned growth; it regrows quickly as the weather warms.
- Divide congested clumps every couple of years in spring, replanting the healthiest outer pieces.
- In frosty areas, move potted plants indoors or under cover before nights fall below about 7°C, and keep them in a bright spot.
Harvesting
Harvest stems from established clumps through the warm months. Choose stems with swollen bases at the edge of the clump and cut or pull them off as low down as you can. Trim off the upper leaves and keep the lower 10 cm or so of stem, which has the best flavour.
The upper leaves are too tough to eat but can be steeped for lemon tea. Stems keep for a week or two in the fridge and freeze well.
Growing in pots
In cool areas, lemongrass is best grown in a large pot in a warm, sunny spot outdoors over summer and moved indoors or under cover for winter. Pot it on into a larger pot as the clump grows. Keep the mix evenly moist in summer and feed through the growing season.
Using it
Slice or pound the pale lower stem into curries, curry pastes, soups such as tom yum, marinades and sauces. Bruise whole stems to release the flavour when cooking and remove them before serving. The upper leaves make a refreshing tea.
Companion planting
Lemongrass is a large clump that suits a warm, sunny bed of tropical herbs and spices, such as galangal on its shadier side.
Good companions
- Galangal Another tropical kitchen plant used with lemongrass in Thai cooking; plant it on the shadier side, as it prefers part shade.
Pests and diseases
In warm, bright conditions lemongrass is generally problem free.
Lemongrass is rarely troubled by pests.
Diseases to watch for
- Rust Rusty orange or brown streaks and pustules on the leaves, mostly in humid weather. Cut out affected leaves and keep the clump open.
Common questions
Can I grow lemongrass from supermarket stalks?
Many gardeners root supermarket stems in water, but the RHS advises against it because of the risk of bringing in plant diseases. A potted plant or a division from a nursery is the safer, quicker start.
How do I harvest lemongrass?
Take stems with swollen bases from the edge of an established clump, cutting or pulling them off as low as you can. Use the lower 10 cm of stem, and steep the tough upper leaves for tea.
Will lemongrass survive winter?
In frost-free areas, yes, though it may brown off in cool weather; cut it back in spring. Frost kills it, so in frosty areas grow it in a pot and bring it under cover before nights drop below about 7°C.
Can I grow lemongrass in Melbourne?
Only in a pot. Grow it outdoors in a warm, sunny spot through summer and bring it indoors to a bright spot for winter.
How do I divide lemongrass?
In spring, dig up or tip out the clump, cut it into pieces with roots and several stems, and replant the healthiest outer pieces. Wear gloves, as the leaves are sharp.
Why is my lemongrass turning brown?
Cool winter weather, frost or dry soil. Brown leaves in winter are normal in cooler areas; cut the clump back hard in spring and keep it watered as it regrows.
Sources we checked: RHS: Lemon grass, grow your own; Gardening Australia: Spice it up.