Can store-bought stalks become full plants?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Store-bought lemongrass stalks become prosperous plants with easy propagation methods. I have grown many plants from the supermarket. The basis is in choosing suitable stalks and the proper conditions for rooting. Your success rate significantly improves with care and diligence.
Stalk Selection Criteria
- Choose stalks with intact root bases and visible growth nodes
- Select plump fresh stems without blemishes or soft spots
- Avoid stalks with dried ends or yellowed leaves
Water Rooting Protocol
- Place stalks in clear jars with 2 inches of filtered water
- Position in bright indirect light avoiding direct sun
- Change water every 48 hours preventing bacterial growth
Transplant Transition
- Wait until roots reach 2-3 inches before planting
- Prepare well-draining soil with compost enrichment
- Maintain high humidity for the first week post-transplant
Post-Transplant Care
- Provide gradual sunlight exposure over 5 days
- Water when top soil dries maintaining consistent moisture
- Apply diluted fertilizer after new growth appears
Timing is seasonal and significantly influences your propagation success. Spring cuttings grow the fastest as daylight increases. Summer propagations will get the natural warmth they need. Winter propagations need heat mats under jars for supplemental warmth. I will not attempt propagating in the fall due to shortening light levels.
With the right care, your new plants will become productive quickly. Expect harvestable stalks in about three months from transplanting. First, snip the outer stems and leave the inner shoots to grow and mature. The continuous harvest model will provide you with fresh lemongrass throughout the year, following your initial investment.
If you are experiencing an issue such as slow root development, here is how to troubleshoot. If roots haven't developed within two weeks, consider the temperature of the water and the light levels. If the water is cloudy, it requires immediate changing. If the bases of the cuttings become mushy, you will want to restart the process with fresh stalks. Most issues that arise can be resolved with the simplest modifications.
Read the full article: How to Grow Lemongrass Successfully at Home
