Medicinal & Aromatic· Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass Growing Guide

Tropical perennial grass cultivated for its citral-rich essential oil and culinary use. Important in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and insect repellent formulations.

How Long Does Lemongrass Take to Grow?

Lemongrass is typically ready to harvest about 120 days after planting.

120

Days to Harvest

20,500

kg fresh biomass/hectare

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

20-35°C optimal

Rainfall

700-2500 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

none

Drought Tolerance

moderate

Humidity

high tolerance

Heat Tolerance

high

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: sandy loam, loam, laterite

pH range: 5 - 5.8 (optimal: 5.4)

Drainage: good

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)high

Phosphorus (P)moderate

Potassium (K)moderate

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

slips, root division

Planting Depth

5 cm

Plant Spacing

60 cm apart, 60 cm rows

Planting Season

spring, summer

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

220 - 75,000 kg fresh biomass/ha

Market Demand

growing

Profitability

medium

Harvests/Year

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

stem borers
mealybugs
red spider mites

Common Diseases

leaf blight
rust
red leaf spot

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Plant slips or divisions at the onset of monsoon/rainy season for best establishment; maintain adequate moisture for the first month.

First harvest can be taken 90-120 days after planting; subsequent harvests every 60-70 days during the growing season.

Apply nitrogen fertilizer after each harvest to promote vigorous regrowth and maintain oil yield quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Lemongrass take to grow?

Lemongrass typically takes 120 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 14 days. The best planting season is spring, summer.

What soil does Lemongrass need?

Lemongrass grows best in sandy loam, loam, laterite soil with a pH of 5-5.8. Good drainage is required.

What temperature does Lemongrass need?

Lemongrass grows best at 20-35°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: high.

What is the expected yield for Lemongrass?

Across 6 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Lemongrass range from 220 to 75,000 kg fresh biomass/hectare, with a median of 20,500. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management. Multiple harvests per year are possible (3).