How to Grow Hydroponic Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical herb used in cooking and natural medicine that adds bright flavor to food. Its calming oils are often used in teas and wellness products.
Hydroponic lemongrass grows faster, uses less water, and can be harvested all year long. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow it step by step no matter your experience level.
Why Grow Lemongrass Hydroponically?
Hydroponic herbs like lemongrass are becoming more popular, and for good reason. They grow faster, use less water, and can be harvested all year long.
Recent studies show that hydroponic lemongrass produces 92% more than soil-grown plants. It also uses about 50% less water and is 300% more efficient in how that water is used.
This method works well in tight spaces, cities, or places with cold winters. Even without a backyard, you can grow strong, healthy plants indoors.
Learn how hydroponics boosts growth, saves water, and supports sustainable farming in almost any environment.
Optimal Growing Conditions
To grow hydroponic lemongrass successfully, you’ll need to control the environment. Proper temperature, light, and humidity are all essential to plant health and growth.
The next few sections will show you how to manage these key factors step by step.
Temperature and Climate Control
Hydroponic lemongrass grows best in warm conditions. The ideal temperature range is between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C). For steady growth, it's important to keep the temperature above 70°F as much as possible. Lemongrass is sensitive to cold and won’t survive frost. It starts to struggle when temperatures fall below 50°F.
Indoor hydroponic systems make it easier to maintain the right climate. By growing indoors, you can avoid weather risks and grow strong, healthy plants all year long.
Lighting Requirements and Strategies
Lemongrass needs a lot of light to grow well in a hydroponic system. At a minimum, give it 6–8 hours of direct light each day. For the best results, aim for 12–14 hours of light.
Light intensity matters too. During rooting, the ideal range is 150–200 µmol/m²/s. As the plant matures, increase that to 200–250 µmol/m²/s. Full-spectrum grow lights work well, especially in the winter or in rooms without much sunlight.
Nutrient Management in Hydroponic Lemongrass
Feeding your plants the right mix of nutrients helps them grow strong and leads to high yields. In hydroponics, that means managing the solution’s pH and EC (electrical conductivity) carefully.
The next sections cover how to keep those levels in check and what nutrients lemongrass needs most.
Ideal pH and EC Levels
Hydroponic lemongrass grows best with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. This range helps the plant take in all the nutrients it needs.
The EC level tells you how strong the nutrient mix is. Aim for 1.6 to 2.4 mS/cm. This range aligns with general hydroponic herb guidelines and supports strong growth. Young plants need a lighter mix, while mature plants can handle more. Adjust the EC as your plants grow.
Check pH and EC often. If they’re off, your plant might stop absorbing nutrients, even if they’re in the water.
Recommended Nutrient Ratios
Lemongrass needs a well-balanced mix of nutrients to thrive in a hydroponic system. The key macronutrient targets are:
Nitrogen (N): 150 ppm
Phosphorus (P): 50 ppm
Potassium (K): 200 ppm
Calcium (Ca): 100 ppm
Magnesium (Mg): 50 ppm
It also needs small amounts of trace minerals. Add iron, manganese, and zinc at about 1 ppm each.
Hydroponic systems often deliver nutrients more directly than aquaponics. This means you may see stronger leaf growth and more oil production in hydroponics, especially if you keep nutrient levels steady.
Propagation and Planting Techniques
Rooting Lemongrass from Cuttings
Start by picking healthy lemongrass stalks that still have the bulb base attached. This part is key, as it’s where new roots will grow.
Place the stalks in a clear container filled with clean water. Keep the base fully submerged. You should see roots begin to form in 1 to 3 weeks.
To keep the water fresh and avoid fungal problems, change it every 1 to 2 days. Once the roots are about 2–3 inches long, the cuttings are ready for transplant.
Transplanting into a Hydroponic System
Once your cuttings have 2–3 inch roots, move them into a hydroponics herb garden setup. Use growing media like clay pebbles or rockwool to support the plants and hold moisture.
Start with short irrigation cycles (about 15 minutes at a time) to help the roots adjust. After a couple of weeks, the plants will be ready for full integration into your hydroponic system.
Best Hydroponic Systems for Lemongrass
Lemongrass and other greenhouse products grow best in systems that give you full control over water, light, and space. These setups are great for growing herbs indoors or in small areas. Let's look at three easy-to-use systems that work well for lemongrass.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
NFT is a popular system for growing lemongrass. It uses a thin stream of water and nutrients that flows over the roots at all times. The roots sit in a shallow channel, not deep in water. This keeps them wet but also gives them lots of oxygen.
In trials, lemongrass roots grew so well in NFT setups that they stretched beyond the troughs and into nearby mats. That shows strong, healthy root growth.
NFT systems are great for saving water and getting high oxygen to the roots, which are two things lemongrass loves.
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
Deep Water Culture is one of the easiest systems for beginners. Plants sit in a tray above a deep tank of nutrient-rich water, with their roots hanging down into it.
To keep lemongrass healthy, the water must be well-aerated. Adding air stones helps deliver enough oxygen and prevents root rot. With steady airflow and nutrients, lemongrass can grow fast and strong in this simple setup.
Aeroponics and Other Advanced Systems
Aeroponics uses a fine mist to spray nutrients and water directly onto the roots. This method gives roots more oxygen than other systems, helping lemongrass grow faster and stronger. Visible root growth can happen in just one week.
For small spaces, compact units like AeroGarden work well. But aeroponics isn’t the only advanced option.
Other systems using innovative technology can automate lighting, airflow, and nutrient delivery. These setups are best for growers who want high output and full control over the environment.
Maximizing Yields and Quality
To get the most from your hydroponic lemongrass, timing and care are the most important elements. A good setup lets you harvest more often and gives your plants stronger flavors and oils.
The next sections will show you how to time your harvests and boost the plant’s value.
Growth Timeline and Harvest Cycles
Hydroponic lemongrass usually takes about 80 to 100 days to reach harvest size when grown from cuttings. In well-controlled systems, some growers report harvests in as little as 40 days.
Because the growing climate stays steady, you can harvest several times a year. This fast turnover improve profits, especially when selling to food service markets that value fresh, local herbs.
Essential Oil Content and Aromatic Benefits
Hydroponic lemongrass isn’t just easier to grow. It’s also stronger in scent and flavor. Research shows it can have 23.6% more β-Myrcene, 21.3% more geranial, and 41.9% more geraniol than soil-grown plants.1
These oils give lemongrass its citrusy smell, bold taste, and health benefits. That’s why it’s favored by essential oil makers, chefs, and wellness brands.
Pest and Disease Management
Even in clean, indoor systems, pests can still be a problem. Hydroponic setups reduce the risk, but they don’t completely remove it. Here’s how to spot issues early and handle them without harsh chemicals.
Common Threats in Hydroponics
The most common pests in hydroponic lemongrass are aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, and cutworms. These bugs feed on the plant, causing damage and slowing growth.
Look for signs like yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, or webbing on the stalks. These are early clues that something’s wrong.
One benefit of hydroponic systems is control. Because the setup is enclosed, it’s easier to detect pests early and stop them before they spread.
Integrated Pest Management for Lemongrass
A good pest plan starts with prevention. Keep enough space between plants for airflow, clean up plant debris, and check your system often.
You can also bring in helpers. These beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, love to eat common pests. They work well in hydroponic setups where the environment is easier to control.
Keep the temperature and humidity steady to avoid sudden pest outbreaks. If you do need to treat, use natural or low-impact options only when needed. This keeps your plants, and your harvest, safe and clean.
Is It Worth It? Cost and Market Opportunities
Growing hydroponic herbs, like lemongrass, requires some initial investment. However, the long-term benefits can be rewarding. Fast growth, steady harvests, and strong market demand make it a smart option for many growers.
The next sections break down startup costs and ways to earn from your crop, including Eden Green’s retail herb program.
Setup Costs and ROI Considerations
To start a hydroponic lemongrass system, you need some important tools. These include grow lights, irrigation, and nutrient supplies. You’ll also need a setup that keeps temperature and humidity stable.
While that may sound like a lot, hydroponic herbs grow faster and can be harvested year-round. That means more crops and quicker returns.
Lemongrass also sells at a premium, especially in health and culinary markets. With the right system, growers can see strong profits from regular, reliable harvests.
Profitable Uses for Hydroponic Lemongrass
Hydroponic lemongrass can be sold fresh to restaurants and grocers who want high-quality herbs year-round. It’s also a valuable crop for essential oil and supplement makers.
Urban farms and CSA programs often add lemongrass to their offerings to stand out. For these models, Eden Green’s white label service can help with custom branding and packaging.
A Smart Path for Sustainable Growers
Hydroponic lemongrass is a great for growers focused on sustainability and results. It uses less water, grows faster, and delivers more oil than traditional methods.
Here are a few key takeaways: Hydroponic lemongrass can yield up to 92% more than soil-grown plants. It uses 50% less water and has 300% better water-use efficiency. The oils that give it flavor and scent are stronger, and it grows year-round, even in small or indoor spaces.
If you're in food service or retail, hydroponic herbs like lemongrass offer fresher, more flavorful options. Our vertical farms allow you to source products directly: from our farm to your store.
FAQs
Can lemongrass grow as a houseplant?
Yes, but it needs lots of light. Use a sunny window or a grow light to help it thrive indoors.
Does lemongrass come back every year?
Yes, lemongrass is a perennial in warm conditions. In hydroponic systems, it can grow and regrow year-round.
Can lemongrass be dehydrated?
Yes, lemongrass can be dried for later use in teas, cooking, or natural remedies. Dry it in a warm, ventilated space and store it in an airtight container.
