Countertop HarvestBy the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated · How we choose products
The lemongrass stalks sold for cooking can often grow into new plants. Utah State University Extension says fresh stalks from grocery stores that specialize in Asian cuisine will root in a glass of water in about 2 weeks (USU Extension), and the University of Wisconsin says grocery stalks may root in water or potting mix if enough of the root plate is left at the base (Wisconsin Extension). Lemongrass is a big, warm-weather grass, so indoors it is a bright-window project rather than a tidy counter herb. Here is how we root it, pot it and keep it going.
Choosing stalks that will root
Wisconsin's buying advice is to choose firm stalks with fresh to slightly dry tops and a heavy, moist base (Wisconsin Extension). The base matters most, because that is where the roots come from (Wisconsin Extension). We skip stalks that have been trimmed flat right through the bottom, and look for ones with a rounded, intact base.
Rooting in water
- Trim the tops. We cut back the leafy tops so the stalk isn't trying to support a lot of leaf before it has roots.
- Stand the bases in water. A glass with enough water to cover the base is all it needs.
- Put it somewhere warm and bright. Wisconsin says lemongrass needs warm, humid conditions in full sun to thrive (Wisconsin Extension).
- Change the water regularly so it stays fresh, and wait. USU expects roots in about 2 weeks (USU Extension).
Once roots are growing, we move the stalks into a pot of potting mix. Not every stalk roots, so we start with several.
Potting and light
Illinois Extension says lemongrass is best grown as a container plant in colder climates because it isn't winter hardy (Illinois Extension). Choose a roomy pot with a drainage hole, because in good conditions USU says lemongrass can grow 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide (USU Extension). Indoors it stays much smaller, but it still wants space.
Light is the main challenge indoors. USU says divided or container plants need a warm, bright, sunny location (USU Extension), and Illinois moves potted plants to a very bright spot for winter (Illinois Extension). Penn State says most herbs need 6 hours of direct sun, or fluorescent lights 6 to 12 inches away for 14 to 16 hours a day (Penn State Extension); we would treat that as the minimum for lemongrass. Our guide to growing without sunlight covers light setups.
Watering and feeding
Lemongrass is thirsty. Wisconsin says it requires a great deal of water (Wisconsin Extension), and USU says to water container plants regularly so the pots don't dry out, and to mist and water regularly in a dry climate (USU Extension). For indoor potted plants, USU feeds monthly (USU Extension), and Illinois reduces fertilizer while the plant is indoors for winter (Illinois Extension).
Harvesting
USU says lemongrass can be harvested any time once the stalks reach about ½ inch thick (USU Extension). Both USU and Wisconsin cut stems at the base, or push an outside stem aside, twist and pull it off (USU Extension; Wisconsin Extension). Wisconsin notes that the whole stalk is too hard to eat, so it is usually smashed and simmered to flavor a dish, then removed (Wisconsin Extension). USU dries the leaves and uses them like bay leaf in soups and teas (USU Extension).
Handle the leaves with care. Wisconsin says their edges are finely serrated and rough enough to cut skin (Wisconsin Extension).
Keeping it through winter
Lemongrass hates cold. Oregon State Extension says it doesn't survive temperatures under 40°F and that 50 to 60°F is considered ideal for overwintering (OSU Extension). Unless it is in a very bright, heated space, Oregon State says it will go dormant, so expect little to harvest until spring (OSU Extension). If you grow lemongrass outdoors in summer, Wisconsin warns that frost will kill or badly damage it, so bring it in before nights reach freezing (Wisconsin Extension). USU saves a 6-inch section of the bulbous base before the first frost to pot up for the next year (USU Extension).
Pets: lemongrass is on the ASPCA toxic list
The ASPCA lists lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, naming essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides as the toxic principles and stomach upset as the sign in dogs and cats (ASPCA). Because it looks like grass, a cat may treat it like cat grass, so we keep it out of reach. Our guide to growing cat grass covers a safer grass for cats. If you think a pet has eaten lemongrass, the ASPCA asks you to call its Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian (ASPCA).
Common problems
The stalk rotted instead of rooting
Wisconsin notes that rooting depends on enough root plate being left on the stem (Wisconsin Extension). Start with several stalks with intact bases, and refresh the water often.
Brown leaf tips and spots
USU lists leaf blight, which shows as reddish brown spots on leaf tips and margins, and suggests removing blighted leaves by hand (USU Extension). Dry indoor air can also brown the tips, which is one reason USU suggests misting in dry climates (USU Extension).
Thin, floppy growth
It needs more light and warmth (USU Extension). A sunnier window or a grow light usually helps.
For another easy scrap, see regrowing green onions. For a lemony herb that grows well in a pot, try lemon balm. You can also find a guide by plant.
Sources
- Utah State University Extension: Lemongrass in the garden
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Wisconsin Horticulture: Lemongrass
- University of Illinois Extension, Herb Gardening: Lemon grass
- Oregon State University Extension, Klamath Basin: Five plants local gardeners are overwintering (PDF, 2020)
- Penn State Extension: Growing herbs indoors (2024)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Lemon grass
All sources accessed October 20, 2026. This guide is about growing lemongrass at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grow lemongrass from grocery store stalks?
Often, yes. Utah State University Extension says fresh stalks will root in a glass of water in about 2 weeks, and the University of Wisconsin says rooting depends on enough root plate being left at the base.
How much light does lemongrass need indoors?
A lot. Utah State says container lemongrass needs a warm, bright, sunny location, and Illinois Extension moves it to a very bright spot for winter. Plan on your sunniest window or a grow light.
When can I harvest lemongrass?
Utah State Extension says any time once the stalks are about half an inch thick. Cut at the base, or twist off an outside stalk.
Can lemongrass survive winter indoors?
Yes, if it stays warm. Oregon State Extension says it doesn't survive below 40°F and that 50 to 60°F is ideal for overwintering. Expect it to rest until spring.
Is lemongrass safe for cats?
No. The ASPCA lists lemon grass as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with stomach upset as the sign in dogs and cats. Keep it out of reach and grow cat grass instead.