Lemongrass Winter Care Is Lemongrass Winter Hardy

If you're growing lemongrass in your garden, you might be wondering what to do with it over the winter months. Due to its tropical origins, lemongrass can only survive the winter outside in the warmest areas of the US. If you live in USDA Hardiness Zone 10 or 11, it's safe to leave it outside year-round.

How do you take care of lemongrass in the winter?
Is Lemongrass a hardy plant?
What does lemongrass look like in winter?
How cold can lemongrass survive?
Do you cut back lemongrass in winter?
Will lemongrass come back after winter?
Do lemongrass plants repel mosquitoes?
Does lemongrass grow in shade?
Is Lemon Grass toxic to dogs?
Why is my lemon grass dying?
Does lemon grass spread?
Does lemongrass need to be cut back?

How do you take care of lemongrass in the winter?

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.

Is Lemongrass a hardy plant?

Lemon grass is an easy-going tropical plant that is quite happy in full sun and average garden soil. It is a tender perennial, hardy only in Zones 9-10. Where temperatures dip below 20°F in the winter, Lemon Grass should spend the summer outdoors but be brought in for the winter.

What does lemongrass look like in winter?

In USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and above, lemongrass slows down in winter and doesn't put out as many new leaves each week. The plant is still green, but its leaves will look a bit bedraggled after a long growing season. In zones 8b and 9, you'll think the plant has died as the leaves turn brown in winter.

How cold can lemongrass survive?

Frost tolerant

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that freezes to death where winter temperatures drop below 15F (-9C). In all climates, potted plants are easy to keep through winter indoors.

Do you cut back lemongrass in winter?

Trim back the entire plant to within 6 inches of the ground with shears in late winter if the plant appears bedraggled or if most of the foliage is suffering winter damage. Lemongrass quickly regrows new stalks as the temperatures warm.

Will lemongrass come back after winter?

In moderately cooler zones, lemongrass may survive the winter and return in the spring even though the plant's leaves die back. Lemongrass roots are typically hardy in USDA zones 8b and 9, and in these zones, the plant may return year after year as a perennial.

Do lemongrass plants repel mosquitoes?

Lemongrass

This wonderful and bushy grass not only looks great on a patio or in the ground in your yard, but it also makes an excellent natural deterrent of mosquitoes. Citronella, the oil and main ingredient found in natural candles that repel mosquitoes, is found inside lemongrass.

Does lemongrass grow in shade?

Lemongrass loves full sun but can do well if you place it in partial shade if you live in a warmer, more tropical climate. Lemongrass needs very well-draining soil.

Is Lemon Grass toxic to dogs?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is an edible grass of Asian origin. These plants are non-toxic and are listed on several gardening sites as dog-friendly. Protect yourself and your pet.

Why is my lemon grass dying?

Insufficient watering/fertilizing

The most obvious reason for a lemongrass plant turning brown would be lack of water and/or nutrients. ... Water and mist the plants regularly. To keep other plants nearby from getting drowned out by the frequent watering, plant the lemongrass in a bottomless container buried in the soil.

Does lemon grass spread?

Lemongrass grows quickly and spreads to fill a planting bed or pot. Expect a plant to reach a size of 3 to 5 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide in a growing season. ... Use too small a pot, and lemongrass roots will likely break it. With ample water and fertilizer, these roots bulk up and spread out.

Does lemongrass need to be cut back?

Cutting lemongrass stalks for cooking will keep the plant somewhat in check, but lemongrass grows so quickly that extra pruning is often necessary. The best time for trimming lemongrass is early spring, when the plant is still dormant. ... high and prune it regularly to keep it that size if you so desire.