Should lemongrass be in pots or ground?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.The choice of containers or ground planting will depend on the climate and the room in which you're working. Container gardening allows you to move plants for temperature purposes, and ground planting allows for a deeper root structure. I have been successful with both in different gardens. Each has its pros and cons, and they're worth thinking about before you put any seeds in the dirt.
Container Advantages
- Move plants indoors during frost or extreme heat
- Control soil quality precisely for optimal drainage
- Manage invasive spreading in limited garden spaces
Ground Benefits
- Develops larger root systems for drought resistance
- Requires less frequent watering in established beds
- Better supports tall mature plants over 4 feet
Climate Adaptation
- Pots allow overwintering in cold zones below 7
- Ground planting excels in zones 9-11 year-round
- Microclimate adjustments possible with both methods
Space Management
- Containers suit balconies and small urban gardens
- Ground planting ideal for large herb spirals or borders
- Combine both for flexible garden design options
For cold regions, containers are crucial. Bring pots indoors before frost and keep plants near sunny windows. I keep them between 40-50°F during dormancy. This cold protection also allows lemongrass to survive, which would be impossible in frozen ground. Watering can be minimized, but don't let the roots dry out completely.
Ground planting yields best results in hot climates. Plants have a long root system that extends to access more moisture. My Florida garden produces thicker stems than those in containers. Clumps are set 3 feet apart for air circulation. Amend the soil annually with compost to provide ongoing nutrients.
Hybrid methods for plant starting are effective in maximizing benefits. The best method is to start the plants in pots to get initial control. When roots are pretty well established, you can transplant into garden beds. This method is particularly effective in zones with erratic seasons. For example, I usually pot up in mid to late spring once we know the danger of frost has passed.
Read the full article: How to Grow Lemongrass Successfully at Home
