Use and Care Manual

Lemon Grass Growing Guide
Lemongrass thrives in full sun, even in hot humid locations. Give this herb rich, well-drained
soil. If you’re adding several lemongrass plants to planting beds, space plants 24 inches apart.
Provide a steady supply of moisture for best growth—don’t let lemongrass roots dry out.
Plant lemongrass in a large pot that is at least 12 inches across, or use a 5-gallon bucket. Be sure
to use a quality potting soil when growing lemongrass. Lemongrass grows tall, and pots can
easily tip in windy weather, so place containers in a slightly protected location.
In cold regions, overwinter lemongrass indoors by digging up a few stalks, trimming them down
to just a few inches tall, and planting them in smaller pots. Place them in a bright, south-facing
window. Keep soil barely moist, as plants grow very slowly over winter. Another option is to
store a pot of lemongrass, cut down, in a cool, dark place like a basement. Water just a few times
over winter to keep roots alive. In spring, bring the pot into a bright spot, and resume normal
watering. Shift outdoors when temperatures are above 40°F.
Lemongrass is best known for its use in Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Vietnamese. In the
kitchen, use tender inner stalk bases in stir fries, salads, and sauces. To freeze lemongrass, store
thinly sliced pieces in single layers in zipper-seal bags. To use, break off as much as you need for
individual dishes. Or, freeze lemongrass minced or as a purée.
Leaves make a great addition to marinades and can be steeped in hot water for tea. After use, add
leaves to your compost pile or puree them and scatter them in the grass along the edges of a patio
or deck to help deter insects. To dry leaves, bundle them and hang them upside down in a dark
place until dry. Store in tightly sealed jars. Dried lemongrass retains its flavor up to one year.