If you’re planning to add lemon grass to your garden, one of the first questions you likely have is how tall does lemon grass grow. Understanding its maximum height potential helps you choose the perfect spot for this versatile plant.
Lemon grass is a fast-growing, clump-forming perennial grass. Its final height depends on several key factors, including the specific variety, your climate, and the care you provide. Getting these elements right means you can enjoy a robust and useful plant.
How Tall Does Lemon Grass Grow
So, what can you expect? On average, most common lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) grown in home gardens reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet. In ideal, tropical conditions, it can sometimes achieve a maximum height potential of 6 feet. The plant also spreads outwards, forming a clump about 2 to 4 feet wide.
It’s important to remember that this is the height of the grassy stalks and leaves. The plant sends up tall, slender blades from a central base. When people talk about harvesting the “stalk,” they are typically refering to the thickened, lower part of these blades.
Key Factors That Influence Lemon Grass Height
Several elements directly impact how tall your lemon grass will get. By managing these, you can encourage healthier, fuller growth.
- Variety: The type you plant is the biggest factor. West Indian lemon grass (C. citratus) is the common culinary type, growing to the 3-6 foot range. East Indian lemon grass (C. flexuosus) is often slightly shorter and grown more for its oil.
- Sunlight: Lemon grass thrives in full sun. At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily is essential for strong, vertical growth. In partial shade, it will become leggy and stunted, rarely reaching its full height.
- Climate and Temperature: This is a tropical plant. It grows tallest and most vigorously in warm, humid conditions with long growing seasons. In cooler climates, it will be shorter and may need to be grown as an annual or brought indoors.
- Soil Quality and Nutrition: Rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral is best. Regular feeding supports rapid growth. Poor, compacted, or waterlogged soil will severely limit its size.
- Watering: Consistent moisture is key, especially during the hot summer months. While mature plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, inadequate water will stress the plant and reduce its height.
- Container vs. In-Ground: Lemon grass grown directly in the ground will almost always grow taller and spread wider than plants confined to a pot. Container size directly restricts root and, therefore, top growth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Maximize Your Lemon Grass Growth
Follow these practical steps to help your lemon grass reach its impressive maximum height potential in your garden.
1. Selecting the Right Variety and Plant
Start with a healthy plant from a reputable nursery. Look for West Indian lemon grass if your primary goal is culinary use and a tall, graceful clump. You can also start from fresh stalks purchased at a grocery store, but this takes a bit more time.
2. Planting in the Perfect Location
Choose the sunniest spot in your garden. Ensure the location has enough space for the mature clump’s width (up to 4 feet). If planting multiple clumps, space them about 3 feet apart. Amend the soil with plenty of compost before planting to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Watering and Feeding for Vigor
Water deeply and regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture. Feed your lemon grass monthly during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. A nitrogen-rich feed in early summer can boost leaf and stalk growth.
4. Overwintering for Perennial Growth
In zones 8 and below, lemon grass won’t survive freezing winters. To keep your plant tall and established for years, you have two options. You can dig up the entire clump, trim it back, and pot it to bring indoors near a sunny window. Alternatively, in marginally cold areas, a very thick layer of mulch over the crown might protect it.
Managing and Pruning Your Tall Lemon Grass
Even as you encourage height, some management is needed. Regular harvesting actually promotes new growth. To harvest, grasp a stalk near its base and pull it outward and down, or cut it at ground level. Start harvesting when stalks are about 1/2 inch thick.
In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, cut the entire plant back to just 6 inches above the ground. This annual pruning removes dead material and encourages a fresh, bushy, and tall flush of new stalks when the weather warms. Without this, the clump can become woody and less productive.
Common Problems That Stunt Growth
Watch out for these issues that can prevent your lemon grass from reaching its full height.
- Rust Fungus: Appears as orange-brown spots on leaves. It weakens the plant. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling and browning, stressing the plant. A strong spray of water can dislodge them.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Yellowing leaves can indicate a lack of nitrogen, which is crucial for green, tall growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer.
- Overcrowding: A very dense clump can compete for resources. Every few years, divide the clump in spring to rejuvenate it and give each section more room to grow tall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How fast does lemon grass grow?
Lemon grass is a rapid grower in the right conditions. From a small division or nursery plant, it can reach a harvestable size (3 feet or more) in a single growing season.
Can I control the height of my lemon grass?
Yes, to some extent. While you can’t make it grow taller than its genetic potential, you can limit its height by growing it in a smaller container, providing less fertilizer, or by simply harvesting it frequently. Regular trimming will keep it shorter and bushier.
What is the typical height of lemon grass in a pot?
In a container, lemon grass will usually be more compact. Expect a height of 2 to 3 feet, depending on the size of the pot. A pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide is recommended for decent growth.
Does lemon grass spread a lot?
Yes, it spreads outward from the center, forming a wider clump each year. It is not typically invasive like running grasses, but it does need space. The spread is usually between 2 and 4 feet in diameter.
What’s the difference between ornamental and culinary lemon grass height?
Some ornamental varieties, like variegated lemon grass, are often grown for their striking foliage. They tend to be slightly shorter, often maxing out around 3-4 feet, and are sometimes less cold-hardy than the standard culinary types.
Putting It All Together
Knowing how tall does lemon grass grow—with a maximum height potential of up to 6 feet—allows you to plan your garden layout effectively. By providing full sun, ample water, rich soil, and proper seasonal care, you can cultivate a stunning, fragrant clump that serves as both a culinary herb and a dramatic landscape plant.
Remember, the thick, tender lower stalks are your reward for nurturing this plant to its full height. Whether you’re making tea, adding flavor to soups, or simply enjoying its architectural form in the garden, understanding its growth habits is the first step to success. With a little attention, you’ll be able to enjoy this tropical perennial for many seasons to come.