Herb
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardCymbopogon citratus
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$2.50
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Apr 20.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size3-6 feet × 3-4 feet
About Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a robust tropical grass native to South and Southeast Asia, forming dense clumps of long, arching, intensely lemon-scented leaves used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine and herbal preparations. The thick, fibrous lower stalks are a key ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cooking. Starting at $2.50.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Growth slows as temperatures cool.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Lemongrass requires full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In NE Florida it thrives in the long, hot growing season and can be used as a bold landscape accent, border planting, or living privacy screen; water and feed actively from June through September.
Water
Water regularly and deeply throughout the growing season, especially from June through September; lemongrass prefers consistently moist soil but needs good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter. In NE Florida it stays evergreen through mild winters but may show reddish fall color in colder years.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in well-drained, fertile sandy or loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly from June through September to sustain rapid growth. Divide large clumps every 2–3 years in spring to rejuvenate plantings.
Similar needs
Basil
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $3.25Same conditions
Bay Laurel
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $24.95Same conditions
Borage
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $3.50Same conditions
Catnip
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $6.95Same conditions
Cilantro
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $3.50Same conditions
Dill
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $3.50Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Lemongrass a good plant for St. Augustine?
Lemongrass is a herb for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-6 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.