Introduction
If you’re searching for the best lemongrass varieties to grow at home, you’re not alone—lemongrass has become a must-have herb for both culinary and ornamental gardens. Its citrusy aroma, fast growth, and resilience make it a top pick for gardeners seeking versatility and fresh flavors straight from their backyard.
With several types available, choosing the right variety can greatly impact your gardening success. Some varieties thrive in cool climates, while others need the warmth of tropical sun. Certain types are perfect for making teas or flavoring curries, while others stand out as striking landscape plants.
Whether you’re dreaming of a lush edible border or want a fragrant addition to your patio pots, selecting the best lemongrass varieties for your region and purpose is key. In this post, we’ll break down standout choices—like East Indian, West Indian, and more—highlighting what makes each unique and how to decide which one belongs in your garden.
Read on to discover which lemongrass variety will help your home garden thrive!
Understanding Lemongrass: Types and Uses
Lemongrass is an aromatic herb prized in home gardens for its zesty citrus flavor, healing properties, and decorative appeal. However, not all lemongrass varieties are suited for every purpose. Generally, lemongrass can be categorized by use: culinary, medicinal, or ornamental.
For kitchen enthusiasts, lemongrass adds a signature lemony note to soups, curries, stir-fries, and teas. Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as West Indian or culinary lemongrass, is the best-known species for cooking. It features plump, tender stalks with a mild, sweet flavor perfect for fresh teas and recipes.
On the medicinal side, both C. citratus and its cousin Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian lemongrass) are valued for their essential oils, which are extracted for herbal teas, aromatherapy, and traditional remedies due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, C. flexuosus is preferred for essential oil extraction because of its higher oil content, making it ideal for gardeners interested in natural health or homemade skincare blends.
Many gardeners also grow lemongrass for its ornamental value. Both species have graceful, grassy foliage, but C. flexuosus tends to grow taller, adding vertical interest to garden beds, borders, or container displays.
Your intended use should guide your choice: select C. citratus for cooking and teas, opt for C. flexuosus if you want oil production and a tall landscape accent, or plant both to enjoy the full range of benefits from the best lemongrass varieties.
East Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
East Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is one of the best lemongrass varieties for home gardeners, especially those in temperate climates. This striking herb features tall, slender green stalks and graceful arching leaves, often reaching up to four feet when mature. It forms dense clumps, adding a lush, ornamental touch to borders or herb beds. Its rapid, vigorous growth lets it quickly fill garden spaces while still being manageable in pots or small plots.
Known for its crisp, citrusy aroma with subtle floral notes, East Indian Lemongrass is perfect for brightening a variety of dishes. Its stalks are less fibrous than other types, making them especially popular in culinary uses like brothy Thai soups, zesty marinades, and refreshing herbal teas. For gardeners interested in essential oil production, this variety stands out with a high concentration of citral-rich oil, prized for its fresh scent and common use in soaps, perfumes, and natural cleaning products.
Additionally, a simple bundle of cut lemongrass leaves works as a natural insect repellent, making outdoor spaces more enjoyable in warm weather. Whether you want to enhance your cooking, brew calming teas, or add a fragrant, pest-repelling plant to your yard, East Indian Lemongrass is a versatile garden favorite that offers plenty of benefits.
West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is one of the best lemongrass varieties for home gardeners thanks to its robust flavor, ease of cultivation, and versatility in the kitchen. It features bright green stems that are thick, aromatic, and bulbous at the base, with long, slender leaves that can reach up to 3 feet tall. When brushed or crushed, the foliage releases a fresh, lemony scent—an essential quality for cooking.
This variety is favored for authentic Southeast Asian dishes like Thai curries, Vietnamese soups, and Malaysian satays. Its citrusy undertones add depth to broths, marinades, and sauces in a way that dried or lesser-quality lemongrass simply can’t match. The tender stems are easy to slice, making preparation straightforward and enjoyable for cooks.
Growing and Caring for West Indian Lemongrass
Caring for West Indian Lemongrass is simple, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Consistent moisture is important, but avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.
In tropical and subtropical climates, this lemongrass grows as a perennial, forming large, ornamental clumps that can be harvested year-round. In cooler areas, it is usually grown as an annual or overwintered indoors by potting a few stalks and placing them in a sunny window.
For healthy growth, fertilize monthly with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer and trim spent leaves to encourage new shoots. When planting, space clumps at least 2 feet apart to give them room to flourish. Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
With minimal pest and disease problems, West Indian Lemongrass is a resilient addition to herb gardens, raised beds, or large containers. Home growers gain a steady supply of aromatic stalks and enjoy a beautiful, fountain-like plant that adds visual interest to their garden.
Other Notable Lemongrass Varieties & Cultivars
Beyond the popular West Indian and East Indian types, home gardeners can explore a variety of other notable cultivars offering unique qualities in flavor, aroma, and use. For example, citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is often mistaken for culinary lemongrass, but its sharp, lemony scent is valued more as a natural mosquito repellent than for cooking. It’s best grown near patios or entryways to keep pests away rather than harvested for recipes, as its coarse texture and bitter flavor aren’t ideal for eating.
Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) is another aromatic variety known for its mosquito-repelling oil. It has a slightly softer lemon fragrance and tolerates wetter soils better than other types, making it a great choice for gardeners in humid climates.
In Southeast Asia and specialty nurseries, you might also find local or hybrid cultivars bred for ornamental appeal, denser growth, or distinctive flavors. Some offer a subtly spicier kick or a stronger citrus profile, perfect for teas and cocktails.
When choosing among these less common lemongrass varieties, consider your goals: if pest control is as important as culinary use, go for citronella species; for a more intense aroma in homemade teas or soaps, Java citronella is ideal. If you enjoy experimenting, try a few local cultivars and compare their flavors in your cooking. Regardless of your choice, plant these varieties in well-drained, sunny spots and harvest the leaves as needed—each brings both utility and fresh fragrance to your garden.
How to Choose the Right Lemongrass Variety for Your Garden
When deciding on the best lemongrass varieties for your home garden, start by considering your region’s climate. East Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) thrives in warm, humid environments and is perfect for southern or subtropical zones. In contrast, West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is more adaptable, tolerating slightly cooler temperatures, making it ideal for a wider range of gardeners.
Available space is another important factor. Both varieties need room to grow—at least 2 to 3 feet in diameter per plant—but West Indian lemongrass tends to clump more compactly, which works well for smaller gardens or large containers. Also, think about how you plan to use your lemongrass: West Indian is popular in cooking for its mild, citrusy flavor, while East Indian’s stronger aroma is excellent for teas and essential oil extraction.
In terms of maintenance, both are fairly low-maintenance, though beginners might prefer West Indian because it’s easier to propagate and has fuss-free growth. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
- West Indian: mild flavor, compact growth, versatile in cooler climates, easy for beginners.
- East Indian: bold aroma, thrives in hot regions, slightly larger size, preferred for herbal remedies or oil extraction.
No matter your experience level, if you live in a colder region, consider growing lemongrass in pots so you can move plants indoors during chilly months. Just be sure to provide full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering to keep your lemongrass thriving all season long.
Tips for Growing Healthy Lemongrass at Home
Growing the best lemongrass varieties at home is easier than many gardeners expect, as long as you set them up for success from the start. Choose a sunny spot—lemongrass thrives with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily—to encourage strong, fragrant stalks. Plant in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic compost; lemongrass prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, around 6.0 to 7.5.
When planting, space each division 18-24 inches apart to ensure good airflow and plenty of room for the clumps to expand. Water newly planted lemongrass frequently until established, then maintain regular, deep watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
For popular types like East Indian and West Indian lemongrass, watch for common problems such as rust fungus, which appears as orange or brown streaks on leaves, and aphids. Prevent fungus by promoting good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Treat aphids with a strong spray of water or neem oil. Also, prevent root rot by ensuring roots don’t sit in water for long periods.
To harvest, cut stalks at ground level once they reach at least half an inch thick, taking only a few from each clump to allow continuous growth. For a steady supply year-round, propagate new plants by dividing mature clumps in early spring or late summer, and replant healthy, rooted sections in fresh soil. With proper care, your chosen lemongrass varieties will flourish, providing aromatic leaves and flavorful stalks year after year.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Choosing the best lemongrass varieties for your home garden depends on your climate, available space, and how you plan to use your harvest. East Indian lemongrass is great for aromatic cooking, while West Indian lemongrass features strong, upright stalks and grows easily in various environments. If you’re gardening in containers, compact varieties are perfect for small spaces. Don’t hesitate to experiment—try growing more than one type to see which suits your meals and garden best. Watching each variety thrive (or struggle) adds to the fun of gardening!
As you plan your next steps, check out our articles on Essential Herbs for Beginners, How to Start an Indoor Herb Garden, and Tips for Overwintering Tender Herbs to continue building your gardening knowledge and confidence. Every plant you grow brings something unique to your flavorful herb garden.