Imagine snipping fresh, citrus-scented stalks from your own garden whenever a recipe or a cup of tea calls for them. If you want to buy lemongrass seeds and raise this fragrant grass yourself, you're in good company. Growing lemongrass from seed is an affordable, satisfying way to fill a pot, a patio corner or a sunny bed with a plant that looks as good as it tastes.
Starting from seed does take a little patience. Lemongrass loves warmth, and it rewards gardeners who plan ahead instead of rushing the season. That's why most home growers end up with two practical questions: where can I find reliable seeds, and how do I get them off to a strong start?
This guide answers both. First, we'll look at what to check before you order so your seeds arrive ready to sprout. Then we'll walk through starting lemongrass indoors for a head start and sowing it directly outdoors when conditions are warm enough, so you can choose the right method for your climate. A short FAQ at the end covers the quick questions that come up most often, from how many seeds to sow per cell to how long germination takes. Let's dig in.
Where can I buy lemongrass seeds and how do I start them?
If you want to buy lemongrass seeds with confidence, your best option is a specialized online seed company. Home improvement stores and garden centers may stock seed packets in spring, but gardeners who want consistent quality and healthier plants usually find more reliable choices with dedicated retailers. Here's what to look for.
Above all, prioritize quality and trustworthiness. Reputable sellers explain what sets their seeds apart, describe each variety and provide growing information, along with support if you have questions. Online seed companies typically offer a wider selection, fresher stock and more thorough growing guides than most local retailers. Ordering directly from a seed specialist gives you the best chance of getting viable lemongrass seeds that are ready to sow.
Survival Garden Seeds is one example. The company describes itself as an American family-owned small business and sells individual seed packets as well as curated collections, including full garden kits and emergency seed vaults. Orders are placed through its website. The company lists a warehouse-only mailing address in Rigby, Idaho, and states that there are no retail sales at that location, so you'll need to order online for home delivery, whether you're buying lemongrass seeds or other garden selections.
Transparency matters when it comes to seed quality. Survival Garden Seeds publicly describes its seeds as heirloom, non-GMO and open-pollinated. These are the company's own claims, not independent laboratory certifications. If non-GMO status or varieties that grow true to type matter to you, read the official statements on the seller's website. The brand also says it tests germination. It doesn't publish a guaranteed germination rate, but in-house testing is a good sign that you're unlikely to receive old or unreliable seeds. Keep in mind that not every seed originates in the United States; the company's collection FAQ notes sourcing exceptions. Wherever you shop, it's smart to check origin details and any claims about the seed so you know exactly what you're planting.
Starting lemongrass seeds indoors
Once you've chosen a supplier, it's time to give your seeds a strong start. Lemongrass is known as a slow and sometimes finicky germinator that needs warmth, so starting seeds indoors gives you the greatest chance of success. Begin at least 7 weeks ahead of time so seedlings can develop healthy roots and sturdy stems before they move outside. This head start is especially useful in regions with short summers or cool springs.
Follow these steps to start lemongrass seeds indoors:
- Choose the right medium: Fill small pots or trays with a moist, loose, well-draining seed-starting mix. Lemongrass roots need air and good drainage to get established.
- Sow seeds gently: Press seeds lightly onto the surface and cover them with only a thin layer of mix to keep them moist. Don't bury them deeply.
- Maintain warmth and moisture: Place trays in a warm spot, or use a seedling heat mat if your home runs cool. Keep the soil damp but not soggy, and use a clear cover or plastic wrap to hold in humidity until the seeds germinate.
- Provide good light: Once shoots appear, give them bright light from a south-facing window or grow lights. If you're using a window, rotate the trays so plants grow straight and even.
- Harden off before transplanting: When outdoor temperatures stay above 60°F and seedlings have several leaves, set trays outside for a few hours a day and increase their exposure gradually over several days. Then transplant them into containers or garden beds to minimize transplant shock.
Sowing lemongrass seeds outdoors
In a warm climate, you can also sow lemongrass seeds directly outdoors once temperatures remain above 60°F. Direct sowing skips transplanting, but it demands patience, because lemongrass can be very slow to sprout and dislikes cold soil. Use the same light covering technique, keep the soil moist and thin seedlings as needed to prevent crowding. Don't sow before all risk of frost or chill has passed, since cold temperatures can stop seeds from sprouting or harm young plants before they're established.
Check seed viability first
It's worth testing your seeds before sowing, especially if you're using an older or opened packet. Place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel in a warm spot and watch for sprouts. If fewer than 6 of the 10 seeds sprout, consider buying fresh seeds or sowing extra to compensate for poor germination. A viability test takes very little time and can save you disappointment later in the season.
With a trustworthy supplier and the right germination setup, you're well on your way to a healthy lemongrass patch for tea, cooking or ornamental display. Below are quick answers to common questions about sowing, lighting and early seedling care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far should grow lights be from lemongrass seedlings?
Our general seed-starting guide recommends keeping your grow light about 3 inches above your seedlings. The same guide says seeds should generally get 14 to 16 hours of sunlight or artificial grow light per day. These are general guidelines for starting seeds indoors, not lemongrass-specific instructions. For full lemongrass growing steps, see our Lemongrass Seeds product page and our lemongrass growing guide.
How long do lemongrass seeds take to germinate?
Lemongrass seedlings should appear in 7 to 14 days. Our lemongrass growing guide recommends keeping the seed tray covered until the seedlings come up. After the seedlings appear, give them steady light. For sowing steps and timing, see the Lemongrass Seeds product page and our guide to growing lemongrass.
Conclusion
The path is simple. Choose a dedicated online seed company for dependable quality and clear guidance, then match your planting method to your climate and schedule. A reputable supplier makes it easier to choose, plant and troubleshoot, especially if you're new to starting herbs from seed. For a head start, start seeds indoors at least 7 weeks ahead in warm conditions; if your season has already settled into warm weather, sow outdoors once temperatures stay above 60°F. With warmth, light and consistency, growing lemongrass from seed is absolutely doable. Stay patient, keep conditions even and you'll be rewarded with vigorous, citrus-scented clumps that look beautiful and flavor your cooking.
When you're ready, order your lemongrass seeds and sow them at the right time for your area. You'll be on your way to homegrown harvests and a garden that smells wonderfully fresh.
