West Indian

Family: Poaceae Herb

Bright as sunshine in the garden, West Indian lemongrass unfurls into tall, upright clumps with a vivid, lemony fragrance that rises from the leaves at every touch.

The tender stalks are juicy and aromatic, with a clean, citrus snap and a pale interior that turns wonderfully fragrant when warmed. Grow West Indian for bold, fragrant flavor in teas and infusions, and for stirring into sauces and marinades where its signature lemon note shines.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Clumping

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 9th
Harvest Begins	Aug 7th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

West Indian lemongrass has that unmistakable lemony hit right up front—juicy and aromatic, not weedy—so it rewards being warmed in fat and then strained for a clear, fragrant finish. Use it like a flavor engine for broths, coconut soups, and marinades where its citrus snap stays crisp instead of turning bitter.

Best Uses

bruise and steep for bright lemongrass tea or quick infusions
make a fast, fragrant base for broths and coconut soups
grind/stir into pan sauces after softening in oil (then strain)
muddle into marinades and dressings for a clean citrus lift

Flavor Profile

sharp lemon-citrus snap fresh grassy herbal bite fragrant, slightly sweet aroma tender stalk juiciness

Kitchen Pairings

coconut milk ginger lime garlic fish sauce brown sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass), and how can I treat it?

A common issue is rust (brown-orange spots on leaves), which spreads in warm, humid conditions and on crowded plants. Remove heavily affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing clumps, and water at the base early in the day so foliage dries quickly. If rust keeps returning, spray with a labeled fungicide for rust on edible grasses and follow the label reapplication interval.

How often should I water Cymbopogon citratus during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture does it need?

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged—aim for evenly damp soil in the top few inches during active growth. In typical summer heat, this often means watering about 2–3 times per week, but only as needed so the surface doesn’t stay soggy after watering. Mulch lightly to reduce evaporation, and ensure drainage is excellent because lemongrass will decline in persistently wet soil.

How do I tell when Cymbopogon citratus is ready to harvest (around 90 days)?

Harvest when clumps have multiple sturdy stalks and the lower 6–10 inches of stalks are thick enough to peel and release a strong lemon scent when crushed. You can start taking individual stalks at about 90 days, cutting near the base with a sharp tool, and allow the remaining stalks to continue growing. Taste and smell matter: harvested stalks should be fragrant and tender rather than fibrous.