Lemon Grass Care Guide: How to Grow & Care for Lemon Grass in India

Lemon grass, affectionately known as gavati chaha, silky heads, or barbed wire grass in India, is one of the easiest herbs to cultivate in Indian gardens and homes. This perennial powerhouse combines culinary appeal with medicinal benefits and natural pest-repelling properties—making it a must-have for any gardener. Whether you're growing it in a pot on your balcony or in a garden bed, lemon grass adapts beautifully to India's warm climate and rewards minimal effort with abundant, fragrant foliage.

About Lemon Grass

Lemon grass is a tropical perennial that grows as a dense clump of long, slender leaves with a distinctive citrus aroma. Native to tropical regions, it thrives in warm climates like India's, making it ideal for both outdoor gardens and container cultivation. In India, it's traditionally used in chai, curries, and herbal teas, while its oil has long been valued for its insect-repelling and medicinal properties.

A mature lemon grass plant can reach 2 to 4 feet in height, with a spreading habit that makes it perfect for creating a lush, textured look in your garden. At purchase, young plants typically stand around 19 inches (48 cm) tall with a 7-inch spread, growing steadily under proper conditions. The plant is classified as easy to grow, making it forgiving for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Light

Lemon grass is a sun-lover and demands full sun for optimal growth. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily—more is better. In India's intense summer sun, even 10-12 hours of sunlight won't stress the plant; instead, it encourages vigorous growth, bushier foliage, and more aromatic leaves.

If you're growing lemon grass indoors or on a shaded balcony, the plant will survive but may become leggy and produce fewer shoots. In North India, where winter daylight is shorter, position your container in a south-facing window to maximize available light. During monsoon months, when humidity and cloud cover increase, ensure your plant gets whatever bright light is available—move it closer to windows if possible.

Watering

Lemon grass prefers medium watering—neither waterlogged nor completely dry. During India's hot summer months (March to June), water deeply 2-3 times per week, especially if grown in pots, which dry out faster than garden soil. Check soil moisture an inch below the surface; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

During the monsoon season, rainfall often provides sufficient moisture. However, if you have heavy clay soil or poor drainage, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot. In winter, particularly in cooler regions of North India, lemon grass needs less water—once or twice weekly is usually adequate.

Hard water, a common concern in many Indian cities and towns, doesn't harm lemon grass significantly, though mineral buildup may affect soil pH over time. If you notice yellowing leaves despite proper care, occasionally flush the soil with filtered or rainwater to reduce salt accumulation in heavy-water areas.

Soil & Feeding

Well-drained soil is essential for lemon grass. In India's variable soil conditions, create an ideal growing medium by mixing garden soil with compost or coconut coir at a 2:1 ratio. This ensures adequate drainage while retaining enough moisture and nutrients for vigorous growth.

For potted plants, use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost. If your garden soil is heavy clay—common in many Indian regions—amend it generously with organic compost or aged manure before planting.

Feeding is straightforward: apply any organic fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (March to October). Suitable options include neem-based fertilizers, cow manure, kitchen compost, or vermicompost. Avoid heavy chemical fertilizers; lemon grass thrives on organic nutrition. During winter, reduce feeding frequency as growth slows significantly.

Temperature & Humidity

Lemon grass is a heat-loving plant that flourishes in India's warm climate. It grows best in temperatures between 50°F and 95°F (10°C to 35°C), with optimal growth occurring in the 70-85°F range (21-29°C). This makes summer and pre-monsoon seasons ideal for vigorous growth.

The plant can tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F (4°C) but will go dormant or suffer if exposed to prolonged freezing conditions. In cooler regions like Himachal Pradesh or high-altitude areas, grow lemon grass in pots and move it indoors during winter, or provide protective mulching.

Humidity isn't a limiting factor; lemon grass adapts well to India's humidity levels, whether in humid coastal regions or drier inland areas. However, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues, particularly during monsoon months when humidity spikes and foliage remains wet for extended periods.

How to Propagate

Lemon grass propagates easily through division, making it one of the most rewarding herbs for home propagation. The best time to divide is during early spring (February-March) when new growth begins.

• Dig up an established clump and carefully separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each division has 2-3 shoots and healthy roots attached.
• Plant divisions in pots or directly in garden beds filled with well-drained soil mixed with compost.
• Water well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist (not waterlogged) for the first 2-3 weeks until roots establish.
• Place in a warm, bright location. Within 4-6 weeks, new shoots will emerge and divisions will be fully established.

You can also propagate from stem cuttings rooted in water or moist soil, though division is faster and more reliable for lemon grass.

Common Problems

• Yellowing leaves: Often due to overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency. Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, and apply organic fertilizer.
• Leggy, weak growth: Insufficient sunlight is the primary cause. Move the plant to a sunnier location or prune to encourage bushier, fuller growth.
• Pest issues: Lemon grass is remarkably pest-resistant due to its natural insect-repelling properties. However, spider mites or mealybugs can occasionally appear in dry conditions. Spray neem oil as needed.
• Fungal infections: High humidity combined with poor air circulation can cause leaf spot or rust. Improve ventilation, avoid wetting foliage during watering, and remove affected leaves.
• Slow growth: Usually indicates insufficient feeding or light. Ensure regular organic fertilization and maximum sunlight exposure.

Pro Tips

• Harvest leaves regularly by cutting stems from the base to encourage bushier, fuller growth. Regular harvesting actually improves the plant's shape and productivity over time.
• Lemon grass naturally repels mosquitoes and other insects—plant it near seating areas or windows to create a natural insect barrier, especially valuable during monsoon season.
• In India's very hot summers, mulch around the base with 1-2 inches of compost to retain soil moisture and keep roots cooler.
• For container growing, choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide—lemon grass appreciates space for its root system to expand and flourish.
• The plant rarely flowers in India's tropical climate, but if it does produce delicate yellow blooms, you can allow flowering or deadhead to direct energy into leaf production.
• Lemon grass is a perennial and can live for many years. Rejuvenate old plants every 2-3 years by dividing and replanting in fresh soil mixed with compost.

Ready to grow your own? Shop Lemon Grass at Nurserylive →