Lemongrass is a fragrant herb widely used in Asian cooking, teas, and natural remedies. Its refreshing citrus aroma makes it both a culinary and ornamental favorite. While you can purchase lemongrass fresh from the market, it is also incredibly easy to regrow right at home from store-bought stalks. This not only saves money but ensures you have a continuous supply of fresh lemongrass for cooking and tea-making. Growing lemongrass in pots is especially convenient for those living in apartments or homes without a garden, as the plant adapts well to containers with the right care.

This guide will take you step by step through the process of regrowing lemongrass from stalks, caring for it in pots, and harvesting for long-term use.

Choosing the Right Lemongrass

When purchasing lemongrass from the store, look for fresh, firm stalks with the bulb base still intact. Avoid stalks that are dried out, shriveled, or overly trimmed, as these may not regrow successfully. Ideally, the base should look white or pale green and feel solid. Even stalks without visible roots can regrow as long as the bulb end is present.

Starting Lemongrass in Water

The easiest way to regrow lemongrass is by rooting it in water before transferring it into a pot.

  1. Trim the tops of the stalks, leaving about 6–8 inches above the base.

  2. Place the stalk bases in a glass or jar with about 2 inches of water.

  3. Set the container in a sunny windowsill or balcony where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

  4. Change the water every 2–3 days to keep it fresh and prevent rotting.

Within 1–2 weeks, you should see small roots forming at the base and new green shoots sprouting from the center of the stalks. Once the roots are a few inches long, the lemongrass is ready to be transplanted into a pot.

Pot and Soil Preparation

Lemongrass is a tall, clumping plant that needs plenty of room for roots to spread. Choose a pot at least 12–14 inches deep and wide, with good drainage holes at the bottom. For larger clumps, consider a wider container or separate the stalks into several pots.

The soil should be well-draining yet nutrient-rich. A high-quality potting mix with added compost works well. Mixing in a bit of sand or perlite helps with drainage, as lemongrass does not like to sit in soggy soil.

Transplanting Lemongrass into Pots

  1. Fill the pot with prepared soil, leaving a small space at the top.

  2. Plant each rooted stalk about 2–3 inches deep, spacing them a few inches apart if growing multiple stalks in one pot.

  3. Firm the soil gently around the base and water thoroughly.

Position the pot in a sunny location, such as a balcony, patio, or bright windowsill. Lemongrass thrives in full sun and requires a minimum of 6–8 hours of light daily.

Watering and Feeding

Lemongrass prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. In hot climates, this may mean watering daily, while in cooler environments, less frequent watering may be sufficient.

Feeding your lemongrass every 4–6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea will encourage strong growth. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer supports the lush green foliage, which is what you’ll use for cooking.

Caring for Potted Lemongrass

  • Pruning: Trim dry or brown leaves to keep the plant neat and healthy.

  • Repotting: As lemongrass grows, it forms thick clumps. Every year or two, divide the clumps and replant in fresh soil to maintain vigor.

  • Pests: Lemongrass is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids. Rinse them off with water or treat with mild insecticidal soap.

Harvesting Lemongrass

You can start harvesting once the stalks are at least ½ inch thick and 12 inches tall. To harvest:

  • Gently pull or cut a stalk close to the soil line.

  • Peel away the outer, tougher leaves until you reach the tender inner stalk.

  • Use the fresh stalks immediately in cooking, teas, or marinades.

The leafy tops can also be trimmed and used to flavor soups, broths, and herbal infusions. Regular harvesting encourages new growth, ensuring a continuous supply throughout the year.

Overwintering Lemongrass

If you live in a region with cold winters, potted lemongrass can be brought indoors. Place it in a bright, sunny location and reduce watering slightly during the dormant period. In spring, gradually increase water and feeding to encourage fresh growth.

Final Thoughts

Regrowing lemongrass from store-bought stalks is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to start a home herb garden. With just a glass of water, a sunny spot, and a well-prepared pot, you can transform grocery stalks into a thriving clump of fragrant, useful herbs.

Not only will you have a constant supply of fresh lemongrass for your kitchen, but you’ll also enjoy its decorative, grassy appearance and uplifting scent. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner with only a windowsill to spare, lemongrass is a practical and rewarding plant to grow in pots year-round.

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