Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herb
Lemongrass: when and how to prune
Cymbopogon citratus
Lemongrass is best pruned in April and September.
| Pruning months | April and September |
|---|---|
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Lemongrass: when to prune it?
Prune in April, when growth starts again. When you bring it in during September, you can shorten the long leaves.
Lemongrass: how to prune it?
- In April, cut all the leaves back to 15–20 cm above the pot; fresh leaves soon follow.
- Remove dead, brown leaves at the base.
- In September, shorten the long leaves by about half so the plant takes up less room indoors.
- In summer, simply snip off brown leaf tips.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: April and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Wear gloves: the leaf edges are sharp and can cut your fingers.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Lemongrass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.