Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

herb

A tropical perennial grass grown as an annual in temperate climates. The thick, aromatic stalks are essential in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines, providing a citrusy, floral background to curries and soups. Lemongrass is also valued as a patio ornamental and as a natural mosquito deterrent.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Tomato — Citronella compounds in lemongrass may deter aphids and whiteflies
• Pepper — Compatible moisture and fertility needs
• Basil — Complementary aromatic herbs with similar tropical requirements
• Marigold — Together create a potent pest-deterrent border around the vegetable garden

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Spider mites →

  Mist foliage regularly; neem oil spray; keep humidity up on indoor overwintered plants

• Aphids →

  Water spray; insecticidal soap; beneficial insect introduction

• Rust fungus →

  Avoid overhead watering; remove and dispose of rusty leaves; improve airflow

• Mealybug →

  Alcohol swab; insecticidal soap; systemic treatment for severe infestations on indoor plants

🌾 Harvest & storage

Harvest outer stalks once the clump is well-established (usually 6 weeks or more after transplanting). Bend the outermost stalk outward and snap it off at the base. Use the lower 6 to 8 inches of the stalk (the pale portion) for cooking. Freeze excess stalks whole or blended into a paste for future use. Leaves can be dried for herbal tea.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Contains citral, geraniol, and limonene compounds with documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Used in traditional medicine for digestion and relaxation. Provides iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins B and C.