How to grow lemongrass in a raised bed

Lemongrass is a lush, fragrant tropical grass that forms a big clump of citrusy stems for Thai and Vietnamese cooking. It loves warmth and water, and a raised bed gives it the rich, moist root run it wants.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun
• Spacing: one clump per 60–90 cm
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 4–6 months to establish

When to plant: Lemongrass is frost-tender — plant in spring and summer once it's warm. In frost-free areas it's a lasting perennial clump. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing it in a raised bed: Plant into rich, moist mix in full sun and give it room — a happy clump gets big. In cold areas, grow it where you can protect it from frost, or lift a division to overwinter.

Watering and feeding: Lemongrass is thirsty — keep the mix moist and feed for lush growth. It rewards water generously.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.

Common problems: the main one to watch is rust, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

Companion plants: Give it a corner of its own to clump up; it grows happily near ginger and turmeric. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Harvest by twisting off whole stems at the base once they're pencil-thick or more; use the tender lower stem. Trim the clump back in late winter.

More growing guides: ginger, turmeric and Vietnamese mint.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Nativeplants garden, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.