Cymbopogon flexuosus

Sowing and care guidance

Cymbopogon flexuosus seeds favour full sun and warm, well-drained, moderately fertile soils. Start indoors with steady warmth; sow finely onto moist seed mix and barely cover, keeping humidity even but not wet. Transplant after last frost once nights stay mild; in frost-free areas sow when soil is warm. Plants are tall, clump-forming; give generous spacing and good air flow. Water regularly in the growing season, letting the top layer dry slightly between waterings. Feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser to maintain steady growth. Mulch to conserve warmth and moisture, keeping crowns clear. Where frost occurs, pot divisions and shelter before cold returns. Remove spent or wind-tattered leaves to keep clumps tidy.

• Sow indoors with steady warmth; press seeds onto the surface, barely cover, and keep evenly moist, not waterlogged.
• Harden off gradually; transplant after last frost into full sun and warm, well-drained soil, allowing generous spacing for airflow.
• Maintain consistent moisture and light feeding; mulch to retain warmth, keeping crowns clear.
• Edible: only use correctly identified, clean plant parts.
• Container suitable: grows well in large, free-draining containers; allow room for clump expansion.
• Ornamental: tall, clump-forming foliage lends texture and movement to plantings.

How do I grow Cymbopogon flexuosus from seed?

Sow Cymbopogon flexuosus seeds indoors with steady warmth, as they need heat to germinate and thrive. Use a free-draining seed compost, lightly cover the seed (about 2 mm), and keep the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged. Bottom heat around 21–27°C and bright light helps germination, which typically takes 10–21 days. Pot on seedlings as they fill their cells, maintaining warmth and strong light to avoid legginess. Harden off gradually, then transplant to full sun after the last frost when nights are mild and the soil is warm, spacing plants generously to allow clumps to expand and air to circulate.

When should I plant lemongrass after the last frost?

Transplant lemongrass outdoors only after the last frost, once nights remain mild (consistently above about 10–12°C) and the soil has warmed. Cold, soggy ground slows growth and can check young plants. In frost-free areas, sow or plant when the soil is reliably warm and daytime temperatures are settled; in very mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible, provided plants receive ample light and protection from cool, wet conditions. If uncertain, keep plants in containers a little longer under shelter until stable warmth arrives.

What is the best soil for lemongrass in containers?

For containers, choose a well-drained, moderately fertile mix that warms quickly. A quality peat-free potting medium blended with 20–40% coarse grit or perlite prevents compaction and supports strong roots. Aim for neutral to slightly acidic pH, and use pots with generous drainage holes; dark containers can help warm the root zone in cooler periods. Start with a container at least 25–30 cm wide, upsizing as the clump expands. Feed lightly during active growth with a balanced fertiliser, and water thoroughly then allow the top few centimetres to dry before watering again.

What spacing do lemongrass clumps need?

Lemongrass forms tall, clump-forming tufts, so give plants ample room. Space 45–60 cm apart for a single-season planting, widening to 60–90 cm where plants will be grown on for multiple years or in very warm climates where clumps expand faster. Good air flow reduces humidity around leaves and helps prevent foliar issues. In heavier soils, planting on slight mounds improves drainage. In containers, allow each plant a generous pot rather than crowding multiple starts together, which can restrict root development and reduce vigour.

How do I overwinter lemongrass indoors?

Before frost, lift and pot clumps, trimming foliage to 15–20 cm to reduce stress. Keep plants in a bright, frost-free place with cool to moderate temperatures (around 10–15°C is adequate, warmer also works with strong light). Water sparingly in winter, keeping the mix just lightly moist, and resume more regular watering and feeding as days lengthen and growth picks up. Check periodically for pests such as spider mites in dry indoor air, and improve humidity and air movement if needed. Dividing large clumps at this time can refresh plants and save space.

What is the difference between Cymbopogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon citratus?

Both are lemon-scented grasses, but they differ in habit and common use. Cymbopogon flexuosus typically has finer leaves, a more arching, loose clump, and is often raised from seed; it is widely grown for its aromatic foliage and is responsive to warmth. Cymbopogon citratus tends to form thicker basal stems, creating tighter clumps; it is more often propagated by division, as those swollen lower stems are the part most frequently harvested. Cultural needs are similar—full sun, warm, well-drained soils—but C. citratus may bulk up more at the base, while C. flexuosus can reach slightly greater height and spread under sustained heat.

Growing information here is provided as general guidance. Conditions vary by microclimate, soil type, drainage, and seasonal patterns, so timing should be adjusted to local conditions (e.g., after the last frost or when soil is workable; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible). Specific details—such as sowing depth, spacing, and any handling requirements—are provided on the relevant product pages.

How to Grow Cymbopogon flexuosus from Seed

Cymbopogon flexuosus is a warm-season, citrus-scented grass grown from seed with steady heat and light. Start indoors when conditions are bright, 6–8 weeks before the last frost, using a free-draining seed mix. Surface-sow or cover very lightly, as fine seed benefits from light for germination; maintain 20–25°C with gentle bottom heat and keep evenly moist. Prick out seedlings once they have several true leaves. Harden off and transplant after the last frost, when nights are mild and soil is reliably warm. Choose full sun and fertile, well-drained soil; space 30–45 cm to allow clumps to develop. Water regularly, avoid waterlogging, and feed lightly during active growth. Mulch to conserve warmth and moisture. In cool-summer areas, containers help maximise heat; overwinter in bright, frost-free conditions or treat as an annual where winters are harsh. Remove flower stalks to focus energy on foliage and harvest leaves once plants are established.