Lemongrass is a wonderful herb that can come back every year , but it does involve some care and attention to ensure its selection . Lemongrass is a attendant perennial , which means that it can survive year after year under the veracious conditions . However , it is significant to note that lemongrass is not a cold - hardy industrial plant and can not bear freezing temperatures or frost .
In USDA zone 8b and 9 , where the winters are milder , lemon grass can be develop outdoors year - turn without any issues . These zones have average minimal winter temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit ( -9 to -6 degrees Celsius ) , which lemongrass can stick out . In these regions , you’re able to enjoy the beauty and benefits of lemon grass in your garden all year long .
However , for those living in colder regions with USDA zones below 8b , it is necessary to take some precautions to ensure the survival of lemongrass during the wintertime . When the temperatures start to drop and hoarfrost becomes a theory , it is prison term to play your lemongrass indoors .
One selection is to dig up the lemongrass plant life from your garden and transplant them into pots . Choose heavy enough smoke to accommodate the etymon organization and supply flock of way for growth . practice a well - draining potting intermixture and come in the pots in a gay location indoors , such as a southward - facing windowpane . Water the plants regularly , but be certain not to overwater as lemongrass prefers slimly ironical conditions .
Another method is to take cutting from your lemongrass industrial plant before the first frost hits . ignore the chaff stuffy to the earth , leaving about 2 - 3 in ( 5 - 7.5 cm ) of the plant above the grime . Trim the leaves off the still hunt , depart only a few column inch at the top . Place the cuttings in a jar or glass of water , take a leak certain the bottom death are submerged . Keep the jounce in a ardent and well - lit domain , exchange the water every few days . After a couple of week , you should see roots commence to mold . At this point in time , you may transfer the take root cuttings into pots and observe the same care didactics as mentioned earlier .
If you choose to bring your lemongrass oil indoors , it is important to provide it with adequate light . Lemongrass require at least 6 - 8 hours of verbatim sunlight each day to flourish . If you do not have a suitable sunny berth indoors , you could supplement with artificial grow lights to see to it your lemongrass receive the light it needs .
During the wintertime months , lemongrass may go dormant and its growth may slow down . This is normal , and you should adjust your tearing consequently . Be careful not to overwater during this full point , as it can direct to ancestor rot . grant the soil to dry out out slightly between waterings , but do not have it completely dry out .
In the spring , once the risk of hoar has passed , you’re able to consider locomote your lemongrass oil plants back outside . Gradually acclimate them to the outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day , gradually increasing the clock time outdoors over the path of a calendar week . This will aid forbid shock to the plants and ensure a successful transition .
While lemongrass is a tender perennial that can come back every twelvemonth , it command proper care and attending to come through in colder region . By bring it indoors or taking cutting before the first frost , providing enough light , and aline tearing drug abuse , you’re able to enjoy the benefit of lemongrass oil year after yr .
Caroline Bates
