Lemongrass is one of the most useful and satisfying herbs to grow at home, especially in Malaysia where it suits the climate so well. But many beginners are unsure when it is actually ready to harvest and how to do it without weakening the plant. The good news is that lemongrass is quite forgiving, and once it is established, regular harvesting can actually help keep it productive and tidy. The key is knowing which stalks to take and how to remove them properly.
The best time to harvest lemongrass is when the plant has become well established and produced enough healthy stalks to spare. In general, you want to wait until the clump looks strong and full rather than harvesting too early from a young plant. Mature outer stalks are usually the ones to go for first. These are thicker, firmer, and more developed than the newer inner growth. If you keep removing the youngest centre shoots, the plant may struggle to bulk up properly. A healthier habit is to harvest from the outside and let the middle continue producing fresh new growth.
When harvesting, the goal is to remove the stalk as low as possible near the base. Some people gently pull the outer stalk outward and twist or pull it free, while others prefer to use a clean knife or pruning tool to cut it near the bottom. Either method can work, as long as you are careful not to damage the surrounding stems. The white or pale lower part of the stalk is usually the most useful section for cooking, which is another reason harvesting close to the base matters.
Do not strip too many stalks at once, especially if your lemongrass plant is still small or growing in a pot. A healthy, mature clump can handle regular harvesting better, but it is still wise to leave enough growth behind so the plant can continue gathering energy and staying strong. Light, repeated harvesting is usually much better than cutting too much in one go.
After harvesting, remove any dry outer leaves and keep the clump tidy. Continue normal watering and make sure the plant still gets enough sunlight. A well-cared-for lemongrass plant can keep producing for a long time and become one of the most useful parts of your home garden.
If you are harvesting lemongrass at home, we would love to see it. Tag @projectharvest.my on Instagram and share your lemongrass plant, your harvests, and your gardening journey with us — your home garden might inspire another Malaysian beginner to start growing too.