Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where it is evergreen (roots may be hardy to Zone 8b). It is grown as an annual in gardens or in containers. It is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but prefers full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but is best in organically rich loams with good drainage. Seed is difficult to obtain. Nurseries and seed companies generally sell starts in small pots. Fresh stalks of lemongrass (leaves and roots absent) can also be purchased from grocery stores specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine for rooting in a glass of water. Plant outside in spring after last frost date. In fall just before first frost, stalks can be harvested (cut off top leaves and save 6-" sections of the bulbous shoot bases) and frozen for culinary use during the winter. Several leaf sections with attached roots can also be divided and potted with top leaves removed for overwintering in a bright window. These saved sections can be then used as starts for the following year. Smaller container plants can be overwintered indoors in bright light locations.
 
Zone: 10 to 11
Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual, Herb, Rain Garden
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Fragrant, Evergreen
Tolerate: Black Walnut, Air Pollution