Introduction
Dividing lemongrass is an easy, hands-on way to keep this vibrant herb thriving in your garden year after year. Known for its zesty flavor in curries and teas as well as its lush, fountain-like appearance, lemongrass is both a kitchen staple and a striking ornamental plant. Over time, lemongrass clumps can become overcrowded, leading to weaker, less productive growth.
By dividing and replanting lemongrass, you not only give your existing plants a fresh start, but you also multiply your supply for free. This simple method rejuvenates the root system, improves airflow, and helps control the plant’s size in garden beds or containers. Even if you’re new to gardening, you’ll find the process straightforward and highly rewarding—it’s a quick morning project with benefits that last all season.
Imagine harvesting aromatic stalks for homemade Thai soup or enjoying lush greenery as a garden border, all thanks to a few smart steps taken early in the year. Whether you want bigger harvests, to share starts with friends, or just keep your patches neat, dividing lemongrass is a practical and satisfying solution for any home gardener.
When to Divide Lemongrass
Dividing lemongrass is best done in spring or early summer, when the plant enters its active growing phase and the risk of frost has passed. This timing helps your lemongrass recover quickly, as warmer temperatures and increased sunlight encourage vigorous regrowth. In warmer, frost-free areas, you can also divide lemongrass in early autumn, as long as the plant has enough time to reestablish before cooler weather arrives.
Watch for signs that your lemongrass needs dividing: clumps becoming densely packed, new growth thinning out, or the center of the plant looking dead or hollow. These signs indicate that roots and shoots are competing for resources, which can stunt healthy growth. If your lemongrass stalks appear smaller than usual or the clump looks less robust overall, it’s likely time to rejuvenate the plant by dividing it.
To reduce stress on the plant, choose a cloudy day or work early in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Water your lemongrass thoroughly the day before digging it up. Gently loosen the soil around the root ball to avoid damage, then use a clean, sharp tool to separate healthy sections, each containing several stalks and good roots. By dividing lemongrass at the right time and handling it with care, you’ll keep your plant lush and productive for many seasons to come.
Preparing Tools and Materials for Dividing Lemongrass
Before you start dividing lemongrass, it’s important to gather the right tools and materials to ensure a smooth and successful process. You’ll need a sturdy shovel or garden spade to lift the clump from the soil, and a sharp knife or garden saw to cleanly slice through the tough roots. Wearing durable gardening gloves is a smart move, as lemongrass blades can be sharp and may irritate sensitive skin.
Have a few clean containers or pots ready if you plan to replant your divisions in pots, and keep plenty of fresh water on hand for watering both the parent plant and the new divisions right after planting. For the best results, choose a healthy, mature lemongrass clump—look for a plant with numerous strong green stalks and no signs of disease or pest damage.
Before digging up the plant, prepare the new planting spots, whether in the ground or containers. Make sure the soil is loose, well-draining, and enriched with compost if possible. This preparation not only saves time during the dividing process but also gives your new lemongrass divisions the best chance to grow and thrive in their new homes.
How to Divide Lemongrass: Step-by-Step Guide
Dividing lemongrass is a simple process, but it requires care to ensure healthy, strong new plants. Start by choosing a mature clump of lemongrass—typically at least a year old with several thick stalks growing closely together. Water the plant deeply the day before digging to soften the soil and make extraction easier.
Use a sturdy shovel or garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the entire clump, about six inches from the base. This wide area helps avoid cutting major roots. Slowly lift the root ball, rocking it free while preserving as much of the root system as possible. Shake off excess soil so you can clearly see the roots and stalks.
To divide, lay the clump on its side and use your hands or a clean, sharp knife to separate it into smaller clusters. Each division should have at least three to five healthy stalks with a substantial root mass. Look for bright, firm roots and plump green stalks—avoid dry, rotten, or unusually thin sections. Try to untangle the roots gently with your fingers instead of pulling forcefully to prevent breakage. If roots are stubborn, rinse them under running water to help loosen them. When cutting, make sure your tool is sterilized to avoid spreading disease.
A common challenge is dealing with tightly intertwined roots or stalks that break during division. If roots snap, trim the ends cleanly—lemongrass is hardy and will usually regrow. Detached stalks without roots can be set aside to root in water, as they might still grow. Always handle divisions gently, keep roots moist, and protect them from direct sun during the process.
Once divided, plant each cluster promptly in a well-prepared garden bed or pot, placing the root crown just above the soil line. Water thoroughly to minimize transplant shock. With patience and gentle care, your divided lemongrass will thrive in its new home.
Replanting Your Lemongrass Divisions
Ensuring your lemongrass divisions thrive begins with preparing the right growing environment. Lemongrass prefers well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. For garden beds, mix in compost or aged manure to improve nutrient content and drainage. If planting in containers, use a high-quality potting mix blended with perlite or coarse sand to prevent waterlogging of the roots.
When you’re ready to plant, dig holes in garden beds spaced about 18–24 inches apart, since lemongrass clumps will spread and need room to grow. For containers, choose pots at least 12 inches wide and deep, as healthy lemongrass develops an extensive root system. Place each division so the roots are covered, and the base of the stems sits just at or slightly above the soil surface—planting too deep can lead to rot. Gently firm the soil around the roots and water thoroughly to settle the plants and remove air pockets.
After replanting, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy while the roots establish. Young divisions especially benefit from regular, gentle watering during the first few weeks. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds in beds, but keep the mulch slightly away from direct contact with the stems to avoid rot. Shade new transplants from intense midday sun for a few days to reduce stress—old patio umbrellas, cardboard, or shade cloth work well for this.
Avoid heavy fertilizing until you see new growth, which signals that roots are settling in. Regularly check your divisions for wilting or yellowing, signs of water stress or planting depth problems, and adjust care accordingly. Following these steps ensures that your divided lemongrass will be well-prepared for healthy, vigorous growth throughout the season.
Caring for Newly Divided Lemongrass
After dividing lemongrass, the care you provide in the first few weeks is essential for helping your plants recover and thrive. Start by watering the newly replanted divisions thoroughly but gently. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist—never soggy—during the first two weeks. This encourages strong root development while minimizing the risk of rot. Once you see new growth, reduce watering to about once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature.
Lemongrass loves sunlight, so place your divisions where they’ll get at least six hours of direct sun daily. Indoors, a bright windowsill works well; outdoors, choose a sunny, open spot. To support their recovery, feed the divisions with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer two weeks after replanting, then switch to monthly feedings throughout the growing season.
It’s important to monitor your lemongrass closely for signs of stress like yellowing, wilting, or browning leaves. These could indicate transplant shock or overwatering, so adjust your care accordingly. Watch for fungal diseases as well; ensuring good drainage and avoiding soggy soil will help prevent these problems. If you notice any mushy or discolored stems, remove them right away to stop disease spread.
Once your lemongrass plants begin producing new shoots—usually four to six weeks after dividing—you can resume regular harvesting and pruning. Snip off the outer stalks for cooking or tea, being careful to leave the core intact to encourage bushy regrowth. With attentive care during this adjustment period, your divided lemongrass will soon settle in and reward you with vigorous, aromatic growth.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
When dividing lemongrass, some gardeners notice that the leaves wilt or turn brown shortly after replanting—don’t worry, this is normal stress and should improve as the plant adjusts. To minimize shock, divide lemongrass during the cooler parts of the day and keep the roots moist. If wilting continues, mist the leaves and make sure the soil stays consistently damp but not waterlogged.
Slow growth can result from insufficient sunlight or compacted roots. Ensure your divided clumps are placed in full sun and that each section has several healthy stalks along with a few inches of strong roots. Pests like aphids or spider mites may occasionally target stressed plants, but a quick rinse with water or insecticidal soap usually keeps them under control.
As for timing, divide lemongrass every 1-2 years, ideally in spring or early summer when growth is most vigorous. If you’re unsure how much to divide at once, make sure each section has plenty of roots and healthy stalks to reestablish quickly. Remember, avoid heavy fertilizing right after dividing—wait until new growth appears, then feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer to support recovery.
Conclusion
Dividing lemongrass is an easy way to rejuvenate your plants, increase your harvest, and keep your garden thriving. By splitting mature clumps, you encourage stronger growth and ensure a steady supply of fresh lemongrass for cooking or tea. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, give this technique a try—you might be surprised at how rewarding it is to watch your transplanted shoots flourish. Share your results and tips with fellow gardeners, and continue exploring related topics like ongoing lemongrass care, proper harvesting methods, and the many culinary uses for this fragrant herb.