How to Plant Lemon Grass Stalks: Root in Water for Fast Growth

Planting lemon grass stalks in water is the fastest way to get them rooted and ready for your garden. 🌱 I learned this trick after struggling with dried-out roots from soil planting—now my stalks take hold in just 2-3 weeks instead of months.

The secret lies in patience and the right container setup, which turns any kitchen counter into a temporary nursery.

You only need three things: a clean glass jar or shallow container, fresh lemon grass stalks with healthy roots, and filtered water. Skip the soil entirely for the first stage—this method works especially well for beginners because you can watch roots develop daily.

Just trim the stalks to 6 inches and remove any lower leaves that might rot in water.

Once roots reach 2 inches long, transplant them into well-draining soil mix. You’ll notice new growth within 10 days of moving them outside, and the fragrant stalks will be ready for harvesting in about 3 months.

The best part? You can propagate multiple stalks from a single plant, making it a cost-effective way to expand your garden.

This method works year-round in warm climates, but if you’re in cooler zones, start indoors and move plants outside after the last frost. The key is keeping the water fresh and the stalks upright—no need for fancy equipment, just attention to detail.

Ready to grow your own fragrant stalks faster than ever?

What you need

Step-by-step instructions for planting lemon grass stalks

Here's the quick method I use to get lemon grass thriving in just a few weeks.

Choose fresh, firm lemon grass stalks with tight, pale yellow bases—these are the best for rooting. Trim off any dried or browned lower leaves, leaving only the green top portion. I like to cut the stalks at a 45-degree angle about 2 inches from the base. This increases surface area for root development.

Here's the thing—don't skip the soaking step. Place the trimmed stalks in a glass of room-temperature water and let them sit for 24 hours. This hydrates the base and kickstarts root growth. You'll see tiny white roots forming along the cut edge after just a day or two.

After soaking, transfer the stalks to a clean glass or jar with 2-3 inches of fresh water. Use only enough water to cover the bottom 1 inch of the stalk—too much water drowns the base. I like to use a clear container so I can watch those roots grow!

Change the water every 3-4 days to prevent bacteria buildup. Place the container in a spot with bright, indirect light—a kitchen windowsill works perfectly. You'll notice roots forming in 7-10 days, and they'll grow about 1 inch per week if conditions are right.

Once roots reach 3-4 inches long, your lemon grass is ready for soil. I use the 4-stalk method for a full harvest—just plant them 3 inches apart in a 6-inch pot or directly in garden soil. Fill the container with well-draining potting mix and dig a hole deep enough to cover the roots completely.

Gently press the soil around the stalks to remove air pockets, then water deeply until it drains from the bottom. Here's where it gets fun—watch the leaves perk up within 24 hours as they adjust to their new home. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.

Place your potted lemon grass in full sun to partial shade—it thrives in 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 2-3 days depending on your climate. You'll know it's happy when new leaves emerge from the center every 2-3 weeks.

Harvest by cutting stalks at the base with a sharp knife when they reach 12-18 inches tall. This encourages fresh growth and keeps your plant bushy. Real talk: the first harvest is always the sweetest—use those stalks in your favorite recipes!

Tips & tricks for perfect lemon grass growth

A few quick tricks that'll help your lemon grass roots take off in record time—and keep your plants thriving for months of harvests.

Cutting Angle Matters: That 45-degree angle cut in Step 1 isn't just for looks—it creates more surface area for roots to form. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts, and avoid crushing the stalk. I find a kitchen shears works perfectly for this step.

Water Quality Tip: For the 24-hour soak and ongoing water changes, use filtered or room-temperature water. Cold water can shock the stalks, while tap water with high chlorine might slow root growth. If you're in a hard water area, let tap water sit out overnight before using.

Light Positioning: That bright, indirect light in Step 2 is crucial—direct sun can scorch young roots while too little light slows growth. A north-facing window or a spot 2-3 feet from a south-facing window works best. You'll notice roots grow faster when leaves stay vibrant green, not yellowing.

Transplant Timing: Wait until roots reach exactly 3-4 inches before transplanting—shorter roots won't anchor well, while longer roots can get damaged during transfer. I like to gently tug on roots to test their strength before planting in soil. This ensures they'll establish quickly in their new home.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about growing lemon grass from stalks? Here are some of the most common ones—and their answers—to help you succeed!

How long does it take for lemon grass to grow from a stalk in water?

With the right conditions, lemon grass stalks typically sprout roots in 2–4 weeks when placed in water. Once rooted, you can transplant them to soil, where they’ll grow 12–18 inches tall in 3–6 months, depending on sunlight and care. Patience pays off—healthy growth starts after the roots are at least 2 inches long!

Can I plant lemon grass stalks directly in soil instead of water?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the water step, you can plant the stalk directly in moist, well-draining soil (like a pot or garden bed). Bury 1–2 inches of the stalk (excluding the top leaves) and keep the soil damp. However, rooting in water first gives you a higher success rate since you can monitor root growth before transplanting.

How cold can lemon grass handle? Will it die in winter?

Lemon grass is tropical and thrives in USDA zones 9–11. If temperatures drop below 25°F (-4°C), the plant will die back. In colder climates, grow it in containers and bring it indoors during winter. Alternatively, dig up the roots, store them in a cool, dry place, and replant in spring when temperatures warm up.

Why is my lemon grass turning yellow or dying after planting?

Yellowing or wilting can happen for a few reasons:

• Overwatering: Lemon grass hates soggy roots—let the top 1 inch of soil dry out between waterings.
• Too much shade: It needs 6+ hours of sunlight daily; move it to a sunnier spot.
• Poor drainage: Use a pot with drainage holes or mix in perlite to prevent root rot.
• Pests or disease: Check for aphids or fungal spots; treat with neem oil or fungicide if needed.