If you’ve ever cooked Thai or Indian food, you’ve likely encountered the fragrant, citrusy aroma of lemongrass. This versatile herb isn’t just delicious—it’s also easy to grow at home, even if you don’t have a lot of space.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to grow lemongrass in containers and plastic bottles so you can enjoy fresh lemongrass all year long, right from your balcony, kitchen window, or patio.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. As the name suggests, it smells and tastes like lemon—but with a more earthy and herbal fragrance.
A tall, stalky plant, lemongrass can grow up to 3–5 feet high and is commonly used in:
Culinary dishes (soups, curries, marinades)
Herbal teas and infusions
Skincare and essential oils
Natural insect repellents
There are over 50 species of lemongrass, but two main types are commonly grown:
Cymbopogon citratus – Culinary and medicinal uses
Cymbopogon nardus – Known as citronella, used more for mosquito repellent
Why Grow Lemongrass at Home?
Before jumping into the ‘how,’ let’s look at a few reasons why lemongrass is perfect for a DIY herb garden:
Easy to grow and maintain
Grows well in containers and small spaces
Naturally repels mosquitoes
Offers health benefits (anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, etc.)
Adds depth to cooking and herbal teas
Focus keyword:grow lemongrass in containers
What You Need to Grow Lemongrass in Containers or Bottles
You don’t need a fancy setup to grow lemongrass. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
Lemongrass stalks (from grocery store or garden center)
Container or plastic bottle (2-liter bottles work best)
Potting soil (well-draining mix or loamy soil)
Water
Sunny location (balcony, window, or porch)
Optional but helpful:
Liquid organic fertilizer
Mulch (to keep soil moist)
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Lemongrass in Containers
Step 1: Get Fresh Lemongrass Stalks
Go to your local grocery store or Asian market and buy fresh lemongrass stalks with the base still intact. Look for firm, pale green stalks with healthy bottoms.
Pro tip: Soak the stalks in a glass of water for 7–10 days until roots appear.
Step 2: Choose the Right Container
When choosing a container:
Minimum 12 inches in depth
Has proper drainage holes
Preferably clay or plastic pot
Lemongrass loves to spread, so give it space to grow.
Step 3: Planting Lemongrass
Once roots have developed:
Fill the container with well-draining potting mix.
Plant the rooted stalk about 1 inch deep.
Space multiple stalks at least 6 inches apart.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Step 4: Watering & Sunlight
Sunlight: Lemongrass needs at least 6 hours of full sun per day.
Watering: Water regularly, especially in summer. Keep the soil moist, but allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Growing Lemongrass in Plastic Bottles (Upcycled Gardening)
If you’re into upcycling or space-saving gardening techniques, this method is for you.
What You’ll Need:
2-liter plastic bottle
Sharp knife or scissors
Lemongrass stalk with roots
Potting soil
Instructions:
Cut the bottle in half or make a large window on one side.
Poke a few holes at the bottom for drainage.
Fill with potting mix up to 3/4 full.
Plant your rooted stalk near the center.
Water lightly.
Place the bottle in a sunny area.
This method is eco-friendly, space-efficient, and perfect for apartment dwellers.
Tips for Growing Healthy Lemongrass in Containers
Fertilize every 4–6 weeks with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer to boost growth.
Rotate pots weekly so all sides get sunlight.
Trim browning leaves to encourage new growth.
Harvest every 3–4 months by cutting stalks near the base.
How to Harvest Lemongrass
Wait until the stalks are at least 1/2 inch thick.
Use a sharp knife to cut near the root.
New shoots will continue growing back.
You can use the stalks in soups, teas, marinades, or dry them for homemade herb blends.
Can You Grow Lemongrass Indoors in Winter?
Yes! If you live in a colder climate:
Bring the container indoors before the first frost.
Whether you have a garden or just a sunny windowsill, learning how to grow lemongrass in containers and plastic bottles is a simple, sustainable way to bring more flavor, freshness, and greenery into your everyday life.
Perfect for beginners and urban gardeners, lemongrass is a hardy and forgiving herb that rewards you with both aroma and utility.
So don’t wait—grab a bottle, some soil, and get planting!
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