Lemongrass Winter Care: How to Keep Your Lemongrass Healthy During the Cold Months

As winter approaches, gardeners often worry about how to protect their plants from harsh weather conditions. One plant that requires special attention during winter is lemongrass. Lemongrass is a tropical grass that is sensitive to cold temperatures and can easily die if not properly cared for during winter. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to care for your lemongrass during winter to ensure its survival and health.

Understanding Lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial grass native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is widely cultivated for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes. The plant has a strong lemony scent and flavor due to the presence of essential oils in its leaves and stems. Lemongrass is easy to grow and maintain, but it requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight to thrive.

During the summer, lemongrass can grow up to 6 feet tall and spread up to 4 feet wide. However, as winter approaches, the plant will start to slow down its growth and prepare for dormancy. If exposed to freezing temperatures or frost, lemongrass can suffer severe damage or even die. Therefore, it is crucial to take some precautions to protect your lemongrass during winter.

Preparing for Winter

The best way to ensure your lemongrass's survival during winter is to prepare it well in advance. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your lemongrass for winter:

1. Trim the foliage: Before winter arrives, trim your lemongrass foliage down to about 6 inches above the soil level. This will help reduce the plant's water needs and prevent it from toppling over due to heavy snow or wind. You can use the trimmed leaves for cooking or tea.
2. Move indoors: If you live in a region with severe winters, consider moving your lemongrass indoors. Choose a bright, sunny spot near a window or under grow lights. Keep the temperature above 60°F and maintain good air circulation around the plant.
3. Protect from frost: If you cannot move your lemongrass indoors, you can still protect it from frost by covering it with a blanket or tarp. Make sure the cover is securely fastened and does not touch the foliage. Remove the cover during the day to allow sunlight and air to reach the plant.
4. Water sparingly: During winter, lemongrass requires less water than in the summer. Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering or letting the soil stay too wet, as this can cause root rot and other diseases.

Caring for Lemongrass Indoors

If you decide to move your lemongrass indoors during winter, there are some additional steps you should take to keep it healthy:

1. Provide enough light: Lemongrass requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well indoors. If you cannot provide enough natural light, consider using artificial grow lights. Place the lights close to the plant, but not so close that they burn the foliage.
2. Fertilize sparingly: During winter, lemongrass enters a dormant phase and does not require much fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer once every two months, following the package instructions. Do not overfertilize, as this can harm the plant.
3. Prune regularly: To keep your indoor lemongrass bushy and attractive, prune it regularly. Cut back any brown or yellow leaves, as well as any stems that have become too long or leggy.

Reviving Dormant Lemongrass

If your lemongrass has entered dormancy during winter, do not worry. With proper care, it will resume growth in the spring. Here are some tips for reviving dormant lemongrass:

1. Resume watering: As the weather warms up, gradually increase your watering frequency to encourage new growth. Start with a small amount of water and gradually increase it over several weeks. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
2. Fertilize lightly: After the first flush of new growth appears, you can start fertilizing your lemongrass again. Use a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions. Do not overfertilize, as this can burn the roots.
3. Move outdoors: Once the danger of frost has passed, you can move your lemongrass back outdoors. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Gradually expose the plant to direct sunlight, starting with a few hours per day and increasing it over several days.

A healthy lemongrass plant

Winter can be a challenging time for gardeners, especially when it comes to tropical plants like lemongrass. However, with some preparation and care, you can keep your lemongrass healthy and thriving even during the coldest months. Remember to trim the foliage, move indoors if necessary, protect from frost, and water sparingly. If you decide to keep your lemongrass indoors, provide enough light, fertilize sparingly, and prune regularly. And if your lemongrass enters dormancy, do not worry – it will come back to life in the spring with proper care. Happy gardening!

Lemongrass, Winter Garden, Indoor Plant, Tropical Grass, Plant Care