When to Plant Lemongrass in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A tropical perennial grass forming dense clumps to 1.5m tall. The swollen stem bases provide lemony flavour essential to Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cooking. Frost-tender - dies at sustained temperatures below 5C. Reliable perennial in tropical to warm-temperate zones, a pot plant or annual in cooler zones.
How to Grow Lemongrass in Cold / Highland Australia
When to Plant
Container growing only. Plant Dec-Jan.
- Soil
- Rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
- pH Range
- 5.5-7.0
- Sunlight
- Full sun. Needs heat and light.
- Spacing
- 60cm apart, 90cm between rows
- Watering
- Regular deep watering in growing season. Reduce in winter.
Companion plants: Ginger, Turmeric, Most tropical plants
Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Lemongrass
Recommended Varieties
- Not recommended for outdoor growing
Key Challenges
- Cannot survive outdoors
- Insufficient heat
Pro Tips
- Greenhouse or sunny indoor windowsill only
- Buy fresh lemongrass from shops - more practical
- Novelty rather than productive crop
Harvesting Lemongrass
When ready: Harvest when stalks 1cm+ thick at base and 30cm+ tall. Usually 3-4 months after planting.
How to harvest: Twist and pull outer stalks from base. Use bottom 10-15cm (swollen white base). Peel tough outer layers.
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