Introduction
Is lemongrass perennial? If you love using fresh herbs in your kitchen or want attractive plants for your garden, this question often comes up. Lemongrass is prized not only for its zesty flavor in Asian dishes but also for its tall, graceful appearance in outdoor landscapes. Gardeners everywhere want to know whether this popular herb will return year after year or if it needs to be replanted each season.
In this post, we’ll explore whether lemongrass grows as a perennial or an annual, the conditions it needs to survive, and smart tips to help it thrive—even through winter. Whether you’re in a hot climate or facing colder winters, understanding lemongrass’s growth cycle will help you make the most of this versatile plant.
Does Lemongrass Survive Winter?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant native to the warm, humid regions of Southeast Asia, where temperatures rarely fall below 40°F. It thrives in consistently sunny and moist conditions, making it sensitive to cold weather.
In the United States, lemongrass acts as a perennial in USDA zones 9 and above, where winters are mild and frost is minimal. In these zones, the plant can survive outdoors year-round and regrows vigorously each spring. However, in zones 8 and below—where temperatures often dip below freezing—lemongrass is typically grown as an annual, dying back in the cold unless special care is taken.
Gardeners in colder climates can overwinter lemongrass by digging up the plant in early fall, trimming the stalks, and potting it indoors near a sunny window or under grow lights. Keeping the environment warm and avoiding soggy soil helps the plant survive until spring. Alternatively, some gardeners harvest and store the flavorful stems at the season’s end instead of trying to keep the plant alive.
In summary, while lemongrass is perennial in warm climates, it requires extra attention or indoor protection to survive cold winters elsewhere.
How to Overwinter Lemongrass Indoors
If you live in a region with frosty winters, overwintering lemongrass indoors is essential since it’s a tropical plant that can’t survive freezing temperatures. To get started, wait until just before your first expected frost—watch the weather reports and act early if needed.
Use a sharp spade to dig up your lemongrass clump, making sure to get as much of the root ball as possible. Trim off any extra-long leaves and divide large clumps if you wish, then pot the roots in containers filled with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Water thoroughly, but avoid soggy soil.
Inside, place your lemongrass pot in the sunniest spot available, such as a south-facing window or under a grow light. During winter dormancy, growth will slow down, so water sparingly—just enough to keep the soil barely moist. Avoid fertilizing until you see new growth in late winter or early spring.
As the days get longer, increase watering and move the pot outdoors on warm days if possible, gradually getting the plant ready for spring planting. This simple routine keeps your lemongrass healthy so you can replant it outside once the danger of frost is over.
Growing Lemongrass in Pots and Indoors
Growing lemongrass in pots offers the big advantage of portability—it’s easy to move your plant to protect it from cold weather, making it perfect for gardeners in cooler climates. Plus, overwintering lemongrass indoors means you’ll have fresh stalks year-round.
Choose a pot at least 12 inches wide and deep so the roots have plenty of space. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix; blend in a little compost for extra nutrition.
Lemongrass craves sunlight, so pick the brightest spot you can find, like a south-facing window or a spot under a strong grow light. Aim for room temperatures between 65-80°F and boost humidity by misting the leaves or setting the pot on a tray of pebbles with water.
Water regularly but don’t let the soil get soggy—lemongrass doesn’t like wet feet. Trim dead leaves as needed and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks. With a little attention, your indoor lemongrass will thrive all year.
Pruning and Harvesting Lemongrass for Healthy Regrowth
Pruning lemongrass at the right time keeps your plants healthy and robust. The best time to prune is in early spring, just as fresh shoots begin to appear. Trim back old, brown stalks close to the base using clean, sharp garden shears; this removes dead material, encourages airflow, and makes space for new growth.
When harvesting, always select mature stalks from the outer edge and cut them near ground level, leaving the tender inner shoots untouched. This way, the plant continues to send up new shoots from the center while maintaining its strength. For maximum regrowth, avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at any one time.
After pruning or harvesting, boost the plant with some diluted organic fertilizer and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and wards off weeds, giving new shoots the best chance to thrive.
Regularly removing faded leaves and separating dense clumps every 2-3 years will also rejuvenate your lemongrass, resulting in a steady supply of fragrant, healthy stalks season after season. With these simple practices, your lemongrass can flourish and keep your kitchen well-stocked year-round.
Common Problems and Solutions for Returning Lemongrass
Lemongrass often struggles to return in spring due to root rot from soggy soil, frost damage in cold climates, or simple neglect over winter.
Root Rot and Soil Drainage
If you notice mushy, blackened roots, the soil likely stayed too wet. Try growing lemongrass in raised beds or containers with excellent drainage, and let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
Frost Damage
Frost is another major culprit, since lemongrass is sensitive to temperatures below 40°F (4°C). In colder climates, dig up the plants before the first frost and overwinter them indoors near a sunny window, watering sparingly to avoid rot.
Neglect and Care
Neglect, such as failing to trim back dead foliage or letting pots dry out completely, can also hinder regrowth. To prevent diseases and pests during dormancy, clean away fallen leaves and check for mealybugs or aphids on stored plants, treating with insecticidal soap if needed.
Preventing Diseases and Pests
- Regularly remove debris to limit mold and fungal issues.
- Check for pests like mealybugs or aphids and treat as necessary.
Following these steps helps ensure healthier returns come spring.
Conclusion: Ensuring Your Lemongrass Thrives Every Year
Keeping lemongrass thriving year after year comes down to a few key practices: plant it in full sun, water regularly without letting the roots soak, and protect it from harsh winter weather, especially in colder zones. Regular harvesting and occasional pruning will keep your plants healthy and encourage fresh growth.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—some gardeners even dig up and pot their plants indoors for the winter. Every garden is unique, so attentive observation goes a long way.
Have you found any tricks that help your lemongrass come back strong? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!