When to Start Lemongrass Seeds Indoors: A Complete Guide for Beginner Gardeners

Any gardener can get a lot of pleasure from growing lemongrass from seeds. Homegrown lemongrass is great for soups, curries, marinades, and more because it smells and tastes like citrus and is very refreshing. The ornamental grass also looks beautiful in the garden.

You can better control the germination process when you start lemongrass seeds indoors. Later, you can move the bigger, healthier seedlings outside. But timing is key when it comes to lemongrass. This full guide will teach you when and how to successfully start lemongrass seeds indoors.

Why Start Lemongrass Seeds Indoors?

There are several advantages to starting lemongrass seeds indoors rather than direct sowing them outside

• You can provide consistent moisture and ideal germination temperatures around 70°F. Lemongrass seeds need warmth to sprout well.

• Heavy rain, wind, animals, and insects can’t hurt seedlings that are kept inside. Less seeds are lost.

• Getting a head start indoors allows for transplanting bigger, stronger seedlings outdoors later on.

• You have more control over factors like sunlight exposure and hardening off before going outside

• There is less wasted seed compared to direct sowing. Indoor seedlings can be properly spaced and thinned.

• Weed control and maintenance are much easier with containerized transplants ready for the garden.

• No special tools are needed. A sunny window, grow light or heating mat enables growing lemongrass anywhere.

When to Start Lemongrass Seeds Indoors

The timing of seed starting depends on your growing zone. Lemongrass thrives in summer heat so you want transplants ready after temperatures warm up and the threat of frost has passed.

For Zones 3-7:

Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before your average last spring frost date.

For Zones 8-11:

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your average final spring frost.

You can also direct sow lemongrass seeds outside approximately 3-4 weeks before your expected last frost date.

Check your area’s plant hardiness zone maps and dates of the last frost to figure out the best time to start seeds.

How to Plant Lemongrass Seeds Indoors

Planting lemongrass seeds inside is simple. Just follow these steps:

Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need small containers, seed starting mix, a tray or dome, labels, and a spray bottle for misting. A seedling heat mat can provide 70°F soil warmth. Grow lights are useful once sprouted.

Fill Containers

Use cell packs, flats, peat pots or other small containers with drainage holes. Gently firm moistened seed starting mix into the containers.

Sow the Seeds

Sow seeds 1/16 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Lemongrass needs light exposure to germinate.

Mist, Cover and Warm

Lightly mist the planted seeds, cover trays, and place on heat mats set to 70-80°F.

Remove Covers

Once seedlings appear, move trays to grow lights and remove any domes or plastic covering.

Thin Seedlings

Allow the strongest seedling per cell or container to remain once the 2nd set of leaves appears.

Transplant in 4-6 Weeks

Slowly harden off seedlings then transplant outside after all danger of frost has passed.

Caring for Lemongrass Seedlings

Proper care at the seedling stage is crucial:

• Provide 14-16 hours of daily light with grow lights or sunny windows.

• Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated to prevent damping off disease.

• Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

• Feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertilizer once sprouted.

• Ensure good air circulation once any domes or plastic are removed.

• Maintain warm soil temperatures around 70°F until sprouted.

• Stake tall, leggy seedlings for support if necessary.

• Gradually harden off seedlings over 7-10 days before going outside.

Transplanting Lemongrass Seedlings Outdoors

Here are some tips for successfully moving lemongrass seedlings into the garden:

• Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days first. Slowly introduce to outdoor conditions.

• Transplant outside after all chance of frost has passed and soil reaches at least 65°F.

• Space plants 12-24 inches apart in a sunny location. Mature lemongrass reaches 2-4 feet wide.

• Choose a site with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.

• Water transplants daily the first week, then allow soil to slightly dry out between waterings.

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season.

• Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Ongoing Care for Lemongrass Plants

Here are some tips for keeping your lemongrass looking its best:

• Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.

• Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with organic plant food.

• Remove any dead leaves or spent stalks promptly.

• Harvest stalks for culinary use when they reach 1⁄2 inch diameter at the base.

• In fall, prune stalks back to 6 inches, dig up roots and overwinter indoors.

• Mulch plants in zones 9-11 in fall for extra frost protection.

• Start seeds again 8-12 weeks before your last expected spring frost.

Troubleshooting Common Lemongrass Problems

Follow these tips to avoid potential issues with lemongrass:

• Start more seeds than needed in case of spotty germination rates.

• Don’t let seeds dry out during germination. They need consistent moisture.

• Use a heat mat to ensure warm enough soil temperatures.

• Prioritize air circulation once seedlings sprout. Remove domes promptly.

• Pinch off top growth to encourage bushier, more compact plants.

• Harvest stalks when 1⁄2 inch wide at the base for the best flavor.

• In cooler climates, overwinter plants in pots near sunny windows.

• Mist leaves often to maintain the preferred 40-60% humidity range.

• Divide overcrowded clumps in spring to rejuvenate plants.

The Reward of Growing Lemongrass

Now you know exactly when and how to successfully start lemongrass seeds indoors. Homegrown lemongrass simply can’t be matched in terms of flavor, fragrance and cost. With proper planning, you can enjoy fresh lemongrass from your garden year after year. Get your seeds planted on schedule for your best harvest yet!