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Herbs

Lemon Grass

Cymbopogon citratus

Lemon grass is a tropical plant known for its strong lemon flavor and aroma. It is commonly used in culinary applications, herbal teas, and traditional medicine. The plant grows in clumps and can reach heights of 1 to 2 meters. Its long, slender leaves are green and can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season.

Calculate System for Lemon Grass
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Lemon grass can be grown from seeds or by dividing established clumps. It prefers warm temperatures and full sun. Varieties include East Indian lemon grass and West Indian lemon grass, each with distinct flavor profiles.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter; consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Tropical Wet
ETo: 3.006.00 mm/day
Temp: 20.0°C – 32.0°C
Frost: none
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Lemon grass is sensitive to frost; in cooler climates, consider growing it in pots that can be moved indoors during cold weather.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season, with phosphorus and potassium applied at planting.
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, aroma, essential oil content

Design Your Lemon Grass Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Lemon Grass field.

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Related Guides

Introduction to Lemon Grass: Growing and Irrigation

Lemon grass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a versatile and aromatic herb that is widely used in culinary, medicinal and cosmetic applications. It is native to tropical regions and is known for its lemony fragrance and flavor. Growing lemon grass can be a rewarding experience, both economically and…

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