This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Lemongrass is ready to pick when the stalks reach about half an inch thick at the base and feel firm and solid.
You will know lemongrass is ready to pick by looking for those fat, pale green to light purple stems that are packed with flavor and aroma.
Harvesting at the right time makes all the difference because young, thin stalks lack that citrusy punch while overly mature ones turn woody and tough.
In this post, we’ll walk through the exact signs that tell you lemongrass is ready to pick, the best time of day to do it, and how to harvest without damaging the plant.
Let’s dig in.
How Do You Know When Lemongrass Is Ready To Pick?
There are several clear indicators that lemongrass is ready to pick, and once you know what to look for, you’ll spot them easily from across your garden.
The most reliable sign that lemongrass is ready to pick is the thickness of the stalk at soil level.
When each stalk grows to roughly the width of your thumb or about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch in diameter, that’s your signal.
You can also gently squeeze the base of the stalk; if it feels dense and heavy rather than hollow or spongy, then that lemongrass is ready to pick without any doubt.
Another helpful trick is to give the stalk a slight tug near the ground.
If lemongrass is ready to pick, the stalk will resist and feel anchored while still having a slight give at the very base.
On the flip side, if the stalk pulls out too easily, it’s likely too young, and if it snaps clean off with no flexibility, you’ve waited too long.
Finally, look at the leaf blades at the top of the stalk.
When those leaves start to droop and arch outward like a fountain, that’s a visual clue that the energy has moved down into the stalk, meaning that lemongrass is ready to pick.
When Is The Best Time To Harvest Lemongrass That Is Ready To Pick?
Timing your harvest matters just as much as recognizing the physical signs that lemongrass is ready to pick.
1. Age Of The Plant Determines If Lemongrass Is Ready To Pick
A newly planted lemongrass clump will not have any stalks that are ready to pick until it’s been in the ground for at least 75 to 100 days.
During that first season, you’re essentially waiting for the plant to establish a strong root system and produce multiple tillers.
Once your lemongrass enters its second year, you’ll find that more stalks are ready to pick earlier in the growing season because the clump is larger and more mature.
For the freshest flavor, you want to harvest before the plant sends up its tall flower stalk, since flowering can drain some of the essential oils from the lower stems.
2. Harvest In The Morning When Lemongrass Is Ready To Pick
The absolute best time of day to check if lemongrass is ready to pick is in the early morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets intense.
At this time, the stalks are fully hydrated and turgid, which means the essential oils are at their peak concentration.
If you wait until late afternoon, the heat can cause some moisture loss, and while the lemongrass may still be ready to pick, the aroma might be slightly less vibrant.
Many gardeners also swear that cutting lemongrass in the morning gives you stalks that stay fresher longer once you bring them inside.
3. Seasonal Cues That Lemongrass Is Ready To Pick
In most climates, lemongrass is ready to pick starting in midsummer and continuing right up until the first frost.
You’ll notice that the plant will have plenty of stalks ready to pick about every three to four weeks during this entire window.
Once temperatures start dipping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night, stop harvesting because the plant will be preparing to go dormant.
If you live in a warmer region with no frost, you can keep harvesting year-round as long as new growth keeps appearing at the center of the clump.
How To Make Sure Lemongrass Is Ready To Pick Before You Cut
Before you even reach for your shears, do a quick two-finger test to confirm that lemongrass is ready to pick.
1. The Squeeze Test For Lemongrass Ready To Pick
Walk around your lemongrass plant and wrap your fingers around the lowest part of the stalk near the soil.
If that lemongrass is ready to pick, the base will feel firm almost like a leek or green onion but denser.
A stalk that is still too immature will feel soft and squishy because it hasn’t fully filled out with fibrous layers yet.
You can also compare two stalks side by side; the thicker one is always the one that is most ready to pick.
2. The Color Clue That Lemongrass Is Ready To Pick
Look at the color at the base of each stalk to know if lemongrass is ready to pick.
Stalks that show a pale yellow-white or light green color at the bottom few inches are usually perfect for harvesting.
If you see a reddish or purple tinge, that’s also fine; it’s a sign of maturity and often indicates a more intense lemony scent.
Avoid stalks that are completely green from top to bottom with no pale section, as those are typically younger and less developed.
3. The Sniff Test For Lemongrass Ready For Picking
Get down close to the plant and rub your fingers along the base of a stalk that you suspect is ready to pick.
If that lemongrass is ready to pick, you should smell a strong, fresh citrus aroma immediately on your skin.
A weak or grassy smell means the essential oil content is still low, so give it another week or two before you try again.
Trust your nose here because it’s one of the most reliable tools you have in the garden.
How To Harvest Lemongrass That Is Ready To Pick
Once you’ve confirmed that lemongrass is ready to pick, you need to use the correct technique so you don’t harm the rest of the clump.
Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the stalk as close to the ground as possible, right at or just below the soil line.
Do not yank or twist the stalk, because pulling can disturb the roots of neighboring stalks that aren’t ready to pick yet.
Instead, push the outer leaves aside to expose the base and slice cleanly through it.
After you’ve removed a few stalks that are ready to pick, remove any dead leaves from around the cut area to keep the plant tidy and rot-free.
As a general rule, never take more than half of the stalks from a single clump at one time.
That way, the plant can continue producing and you’ll have more lemongrass ready to pick in just a few weeks.
Once harvested, you can store your lemongrass by wrapping the stalks in a damp paper towel inside the fridge for up to two weeks.
So, How Do You Know When Lemongrass Is Ready To Pick?
Lemongrass is ready to pick when the stalks are at least half an inch thick, firm to the touch, and show a pale base with a strong citrus aroma.
You will know lemongrass is ready to pick by checking the plant’s age, timing your harvest for the morning, and using simple squeeze and sniff tests.
The clear signs that lemongrass is ready to pick are visible all season long, so you can enjoy fresh harvests from midsummer right up to frost.
Just remember to cut near the soil line, never over-harvest, and let the plant keep growing for continuous production.
Now that you know exactly how to tell when lemongrass is ready to pick, you can walk out to your garden with confidence and grab only the best stalks for your cooking.