How to grow Lemongrass in Australia
Grow this clumping grass in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil that stays moist. Water regularly and feed with a nitrogen-rich feed for lush, fast growth.
At a glance
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 80 cm
- Time to harvest: 180 days
- Time to germinate: 21 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
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. |
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Cut stalks once they thicken to pencil width or more at the base. Twist and pull whole stalks from the outside of the clump, leaving the centre to keep multiplying.