In Nashville, lemongrass behaves like a tropical annual outdoors (dies with frost) but can be managed as a perennial if you bring it inside. The choice between containers and in-ground really comes down to how you want to handle winter and how big you want your plants to get.
Container Growing (Best for flexibility + overwintering)
Why containers work well in Nashville
- You can move plants indoors before frost (late Oct–early Nov)
- Soil warms up faster in spring → earlier growth
- Easier moisture and soil control
Setup
- Pot size: at least 5 gallons (bigger = better)
- Soil: high-quality potting mix + compost
- Drainage: essential (lemongrass hates soggy roots)
Placement
- Full sun (south or west exposure is ideal)
- Put outside after last frost (mid-April in Nashville)
Watering
- Containers dry out fast in Tennessee summer heat
- Expect to water daily in peak summer
Feeding
- Fertilize every 2–3 weeks (liquid fertilizer works great)
Harvest
- Same as in-ground, but plants may stay slightly smaller
Winter plan (big advantage)
Before first frost:
Cut plant back to ~6–8 inches
Bring inside to a bright window
Water lightly (growth slows)
You can also:
- Divide the plant and keep a small section alive indoors
In-Ground Growing (Best for big harvests)
Why plant in the ground
- Produces larger, thicker stalks
- Needs less frequent watering once established
- Lower maintenance during peak season
Planting time (Nashville-specific)
- Wait until soil is warm (late April–May)
- Lemongrass hates cold soil—don’t rush it
Soil prep
- Amend with compost (very important in clay-heavy TN soil)
- Ensure good drainage (raised beds help a lot)
Spacing
- 18–24 inches apart
- Plants can reach 3–5 feet tall and wide
Watering
- Deep watering 2–3x per week
- Mulch heavily to handle Tennessee heat
Feeding
- Monthly compost or balanced fertilizer
Harvest
- Usually more productive than containers
- Start mid-summer and continue until frost
Winter reality in Nashville
- Lemongrass will not survive winter in the ground
- You have 3 options:
- Treat as an annual (replant each year)
- Dig up and pot before frost
- Divide and bring a portion indoors
Nashville Climate Tips (this matters a lot)
- Summers = perfect (hot + humid = fast growth)
- Spring = wait for warm soil (patience pays off)
- Fall = harvest heavily before first frost
- Winter = only survives indoors
Which should you choose?
Go with containers if:
- You want to keep the same plant year to year
- You like control and flexibility
- You have limited space (patio, deck, etc.)
Go in-ground if:
- You want maximum yield
- You don’t mind replanting each year
- You have good garden space and sun
Practical recommendation for Nashville
Do both:
- Plant 1–2 in the ground for big harvests
- Keep 1 in a container as your “mother plant” to overwinter
That way you get the best of both—production + continuity.