Growing Lemongrass For A Flavorful Home Garden
March 23, 2023
lemongrass
Lemongrass is a fragrant, edible grass native to Southeast Asia that has many culinary and medicinal uses. In the kitchen, it is often used to add a citrus-like flavor to foods and drinks, and when steeped in boiling water it can make a soothing, fragrant tea. It is also known to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat a variety of health conditions.
How to Grow Lemongrass
1. Select the Variety
Lemongrass is a tropical plant typically available as a pre-grown root stalk. Look for the variety 'Cymbopogon citratus' at your local garden center which is the most popular species.
2. Prep the Soil
Lemongrass prefers light yellow soil that is nutrient-rich and moderately moist. Eventually, the plant will reach up to 1 foot wide, so leave plenty of space for it to grow.
3. Plant and Water
Plant the lemongrass root stalk 4-6 inches deep, at least 12 inches apart from any other plants. Water lightly when dry and do not allow the soil to dry out.
4. Fertilize
Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (March to October). This will help the plant to keep producing a new stalk as well as strengthen and protect it.
5. Harvest
Once your lemongrass is mature, you can start harvesting it. Cut the stalks starting from the base of the plant, taking care not to damage the plants nearby. Enjoy your lemongrass in recipes, teas, and more!
Lemongrass is an herb valued for its delicate citrus flavor and aroma. With its unique flavor, this hardy and flavorful herb is a must-have in any culinary garden. Luckily, it isn’t hard to grow. With a little bit of effort and a warm, moist climate, you can easily get the lemongrass plant to thrive in your garden.
Getting Started
Lemongrass is an herb accommodating to a variety of climates, but it grows best in hot, humid weather. It should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Longer sunlight hours will yield better aromas and flavor. Lemongrass prefers soil with good drainage, and soil that is free of weeds and debris.
Planting and Propagation
To plant, start with a fresh bunch of lemongrass stalks. Start by soaking the secors in water for about 6 hours, or until the white parts of the secors become plump.
Once the lemongrass is dampened,plant the flatter end into the soil at a depth of about 2-3 inches. Plant the secors 8-10 inches apart to give the lemongrass room to grow. Gently pat down the soil after planting.
If planting from mature lemongrass plants, start with a 3” section of the lower stalks. Make sure the root ball comes along with the planted section.Once planted, water the soil thoroughly and provide the lemongrass with fertilizer at least once every three months.
Caring For Your Lemongrass
Lemongrass loves warm, moist soil. Keep the soil lightly moist at all times, but don’t allow it to become soggy–so make sure to provide adequate drainage.
Provide the lemongrass with half-strength fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Lemongrass may require extra water in the summer if the soil begins to dry out.
Lemongrass may also benefit from the occasional trim. Trimming the stalks in late autumn or early spring will help to boost new growth. Removing yellowed, dead stalks can help to reduce the spread of disease.
Harvesting Lemongrass
Once the lemongrass has grown for at least five months, it’s time to harvest. Cut the stalks just above where they meet the soil, so that it will retain the maximum amount of flavor and aroma. Once cut, the stalks can be stripped of their leaves and used as flavoring in any number of dishes.
Lemongrass is an easy-to-grow culinary herb with a bright citrus flavor. It’s great for adding zest to dishes, and its hardy nature means it will require minimal maintenance. With a little effort, you can soon be enjoying the sweet fragrance and flavor of your own home-grown lemongrass.
Growing lemongrass is an easy and rewarding way to bring the delicious and fragrant flavors of Southeast Asia to your own kitchen. Not only is it simple to care for, but it also has many additional health benefits. Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants, which can help ward off a variety of illnesses and diseases, and its pleasant scent can be a natural way to deodorize a space. All of these advantages make lemongrass an ideal choice for any garden or kitchen.
