Important notes
ingestion of larger amounts by pets: Per ASPCA, toxic to cats, dogs and horses (essential oils + cyanogenic glycosides) — usually only mild stomach upset and drooling. Keep concentrated lemongrass oil well away from pets. ↗
when harvesting/handling the leaves: The long leaves have sharp, slightly saw-like edges that can cut skin. Wear gloves when harvesting. ↗
Luce
Full sun, 6-8 hours a day. Indoors the brightest, warmest spot; otherwise the clump grows thin and pale.
Irrigazione
Loves water — keep evenly moist, never let it dry out completely, but avoid waterlogging. Water often in summer and in pots.
Temperatura
Warm, ideally 21-32 C. Frost-tender! Bring indoors below ~5 C; overwinter cool and bright, watering sparingly.
Umidità
Likes high humidity (tropical). Dry indoor heating in winter invites spider mites.
Valori target per metodo e fase
| Fase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Acqua °C | Aria °C | Umidità % | Luce h | Durata (giorni) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germinazione | 6–7 | — | — | 20–28 | 60–75 | 14 | 21 |
| Vegetativa | 6–7 | — | — | 21–32 | 55–75 | 14 | 90 |
| Fase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Acqua °C | Aria °C | Umidità % | Luce h | Durata (giorni) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetativa | 6–6.8 | 1.2–1.8 | 20–24 | 21–30 | 55–75 | 14 | 80 |
| Fase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Acqua °C | Aria °C | Umidità % | Luce h | Durata (giorni) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetativa | 6–6.8 | 1.2–1.8 | 20–24 | 21–30 | 55–75 | 14 | 80 |
Problemi comuni
Gets leggy and pale in low light. Spider mites indoors in winter. Frost damage if left out too long. Root rot only with real waterlogging. Watch out for sharp leaf edges.
Space & Size
- Final height
- 120 cm
- Final width
- 90 cm
- Spacing
- 90 cm
- Root depth
- 30 cm
- Min. container (Terra)
- ≥ 10 L
- Min. container (DWC)
- ≥ 8 L
Pests & diseases
| Pest / Disease | Symptom | Organic treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | sticky spots, weak shoots | rinse off, beneficials, neem |
| Spider mites | fine webbing, pale leaves in dry indoor air | raise humidity, hose off |
| Leaf rust | orange-brown streaks/pustules on leaves | remove affected leaves, improve airflow, avoid overhead watering |
| Root rot | brown, mushy base in waterlogged conditions | improve drainage, keep moist not soggy |
Edible parts
- care_guide.parts.stem · edible from Vegetativa — the tender, swollen stalk base is the main culinary part (curries, soups)
- Leaves · edible from Vegetativa — leaves used for tea/infusion
Tecniche di resa
Cut/twist off the outer stalks at the base once they are pencil-thick — the centre keeps regrowing. Divide the clump every 1-2 years to keep it vigorous and get new plants.
Propagation & pollination
- Method
- division
- Germination time
- 21 days
- Germination temp
- 20-25 °C
- Sowing depth
- 0 cm
- Pollination
- wind
- Hand pollination needed
- no
Easiest by dividing the clump. Popular trick: stand a fresh supermarket lemongrass stalk (with its base) in a glass of water — it roots in 2-3 weeks, then pot it up. Seed germinates slowly and needs warmth.
Companion planting
🟢 Good neighbours: Tomato
Not yet linked: Capsicum annuum
Flavor
bright, fresh-lemony with a slight gingery note
Storage
Stalks keep 2-3 weeks in the fridge; freeze well (whole or chopped).
History
Lemongrass comes from the tropics of Southeast Asia and has been a staple of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine for centuries. A close relative (citronella) is well known as a mosquito repellent.
Nutrition
Low in calories, aromatic; provides antioxidants; traditionally aids digestion and is calming as a tea.
Sources
Con Florabase registri pH, EC e tutte le misurazioni — gratis per sempre.
Inizia gratis