Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
- Days to harvest
- 75–100 days
- Sunlight
- 5–7 hours/day
- Watering
- 1–1 per day
- Plant spacing
- 60 cm
- Minimum container size
- 40cm deep × 45cm wide
- Container-friendly
- 2 plants per container
- Estimated yield
- 150 kg / 100m²
- Life span
- perennial
Climate Requirements
- Ideal temperature
- 25-35 °C
- Annual rainfall
- 1500-3000 mm
- Humidity
- 60-80%
- Heat tolerance
- high
- Drought tolerance
- high
Soil & Planting
Planting method
Stem division or stalk planting
Soil requirements
Well-drained sandy loam
Companion Plants
- Bird's Eye Chilistrong
Citronellal and geraniol in lemongrass are well-documented fruit fly and aphid deterrents; plant as border to chili beds
- Cherry Tomatostrong
Lemongrass border confuses tomato fruit fly; also repels nematodes through root exudates
- Papayamoderate
Effective pest-deterrent border plant for papaya orchards; the aromatic barrier reduces fruit fly pressure around young papaya trees
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests
Safety Notes
Natural pest repellent — citronella compounds deter mosquitoes. Generally pest-free. Use as companion plant for natural pest management. Essential oil extraction requires proper ventilation.
Market Demand
High demand; essential in Malaysian cuisine
Regional Notes
Thrives in Malaysian climate; pest-resistant
Sources
- Malaysian Herb Growing Guide — MARDI · Last reviewed: 2024-06-15
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Category: Herbs