Does lemongrass come back every year?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Whether lemongrass returns each year is entirely dependent on your climate zone. In warm zones (zones 9-11), it is a true perennial, capable of coming back from its roots. My plants come back for me each spring in Florida. Colder zones require special tricks to bring them back.
Temperature Thresholds
- Roots survive down to 25°F (-4°C) with proper insulation
- Sustained freezing below 20°F (-7°C) causes permanent root death
- Microclimates near buildings add 5-10°F protection
Mulching Techniques
- Apply 6-inch straw layer before first frost
- Wrap base with burlap for wind protection
- Avoid compacted mulch that traps moisture
Container Advantages
- Move pots indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C)
- Place near south-facing windows with grow light supplements
- Reduce watering frequency during dormancy periods
Root Division
- Divide mature clumps every 2-3 years in early spring
- Replant divisions to expand your lemongrass patch
- Discard woody center portions for vigorous new growth
In borderline zones 7-8, use heavy mulching methods for overwintering. Cut stalks to 6 inches and pile straw 8 inches deep on the crown. I use chicken wire cages to keep insulation intact. This replicates the natural snow cover, thereby avoiding freeze-thaw damage.
To encourage vigorous growth after winter, follow up your winter care tips by removing most mulch after the last frost date (Frost Date Lookup) (for mulched overwintering, see overwintering). When the new shoots appear, apply a balanced fertilizer. Water deeply to replenish root moisture. My plants typically recover within three weeks, producing beautiful new growth.
Using containers for plants is an excellent way to solve problems related to the cold timeline. Move containers to a cool, bright spot inside before frost. Store at a temperature of 40-50°F (4-10°C) during dormancy. In spring, start watering and giving sunlight again. This also consistently saves the plants from year to year.
Read the full article: How to Grow Lemongrass Successfully at Home
