This vigorous comestible plant will brighten up your yard as well as your plate .
Lemongrass is a tropical plant native to southeast Asia . It is prized for its intense citrus - like aroma and savour and double as an decorative sens with vibrant gullible foliage and strappy grain . In add-on to being used in cooking and for herbal afternoon tea , lemongrass also serves as an insect - repellant . In fond climates , it is raise in the garden year - round . Below Zone 9 , it is either grown as an annual or plant in container andoverwintered indoors .
Where to Plant Lemongrass
Lemongrass needsfull sunand moist , well - drained soilthat can be slightly acidic , neutral , or somewhat alkaline .
While lemongrass is not particularly coloured , it can serve as a terrific associate plant . With its vivacious green leaves and grassy texture , it append interest to a garden and helps break up coarse foliage . In an herbaceous plant garden scene , expend the tall green goddess as a focal point among lower - turn herbs . Beyond its habit as a culinary plant , it can be planted as a fast - growing ornamental grass in garden beds or containers .
How and When to Plant Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a heat - have it away works . you’re able to plant it in the garden when there is no longer any danger of spring frost . Dig a hole that is about 1.5 as wide as the root formal and about as deep . Set the industrial plant in the kettle of fish and backfill it with original soil .
place the plants 24 inch aside . If you grow lemongrass as an annual , industrial plant it nigher together , about 18 inches apart .
Lemongrass Care Tips
Lemongrass is an undemanding works and well-heeled to grow .
Light
Plant lemongrass oil infull Dominicus , which will advance a more intense flavor as well as a fuller , more lush plant . In part shade , plants have a much free growth use and tend to become floppy .
Soil and Water
Lemongrass grows best in well - enfeeble ground with apHbetween 5.5 and 7.5 . Heavy or clay soil is not suitable .
ground plants can tolerate a ironical spell but for lush growth , they want consistent and even moisture . Water the plant regularly and deeply in the absence of rain .
Temperature and Humidity
Lemongrass is a tender perennial that grows best in lovesome weather and wo n’t do well in temperatures below 60 degrees F. It does not last winters below zone 9 . In a stale mood , you’re able to either grow it in a container and overwinter it indoors or grow it as an annual .
Lemongrass does fine in red-hot and humid weather , in fact , it does best in humid grow conditions that mimic its aboriginal home ground in southeasterly Asia .
Fertilizer
Like all forage , lemon grass requiresnitrogento grow . During the uprise season , give it a fertilizer that is mellow in nitrogen . For in - primer coat plants , apply a slow - release granular plant food about once a month . Potted lemongrass needs more frequent fertilization as the nutrients wash out rapidly . practice a liquid high - atomic number 7 fertilizer or fish photographic emulsion about every two weeks .
Pruning
Other than removing the dead foliage , lemongrass does not necessitate much pruning during the develop season . If you grow it as a perennial open , leave the foliage bear during the wintertime , as this protects the plant from freeze . In former winter or early spring , just before the new ontogeny starts , edit out the foliage back to 6 inches . Potted plant that overwinter indoors can be cut back any time during the winter .
Potting and Repotting Lemongrass
works lemon grass in a container that is at least 12 inches in diam and has gravid drainage holes . A large container , especially one made of heavy textile ( glazed ceramic or terra - cotta ) is less likely to tumble over .
utilize well - enfeeble potting mix and keep in brain that container flora need more frequent watering and fertilizer than in - primer plants .
Repot the plant with fresh potting mix every spring even if the rootage have not outgrow the container yet , as the plant will do advantageously in a replenished grow metier .
Peter Krumhardt.
Pests and Problems
With the exception of rust , lemongrass does not have serious pest or disease problem . The rust fungus is cause by a fungus that manifest itself through yellow spots and brown elongate streaks on the leaves as well as dismal brown pustule on the bottom of the leaves . Rust can kill the flora . If you find it , cut back the morbid foliage and discard it . Keep the plant life intelligent with even fertilisation and adequate moisture . Watering it at the base of operations instead of overhead can aid preclude the fungus .
How to Propagate Lemongrass
Like all supergrass , lemongrass oil can be propagated by digging up the clump anddividing it . you may even start a new plant by rooting a shoot from the grocery depot as long as it ’s reinvigorated . Trim off the top few inches and place the shoot in a loving cup of water . Change the water day by day . After a few week , roots begin to grow . Plant the lemongrass in well - enfeeble potting soil .
Lemongrass can also pretty easily begrown from seed indoors . satisfy small throne with damp potting mixing and place the seeds on the filth aerofoil . Press them down thinly but do not cover them as they need lighter to shoot . Cover the lot with a plastic dome . The temperature should be at least 68 degrees F. Bottom warmth from a seedling heating mat help with germination . Keep the seeds moist but not soggy . sprouting contain 7 to 14 day .
Harvesting
Throughout the growing season , you’re able to tuck leaves as needed by curve them at the stem of the plant . To harvest whole stubble of lemongrass , switch off the stalks when they ’re rough 2 - 1/2 inch recollective and nearly an inch broad at the substructure .
Lemongrass requires liquid to disperse its essential oils . The simplest way to do this is to immerse the leaves in hot H2O for a novel tea , or employ it to time of year soup , stew , and marinades . you may also chop any excess stalks and freeze them for up to one year , and leaf pieces for up to five month .
you may also preserve leaf by hang them upside down in a drear place to dry out . Once the stalks are dry , chop up them and put in in an airtight container to be used at a former time . The dry out leaves make a groovy add-on to green tea . Just remember : dry herb concentrates their flavor , so for teas and other recipes , you need less teetotal lemongrass than smart lemon grass .
Types of Lemongrass
West Indian Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratushas strap - regulate light green leafage and stocky stalks , which makes it the preferred lemongrass for culinary consumption .
East Indian Lemongrass
Cymbopogon flexuosus , also call Malabar grass , has stalks with purple pinch . The husk are thinner and taller than the stalks of West Indian lemongrass . It is a vigorous grower and often favored by gardener because it is resistant to rust .
Frequently Asked Questions
When grown in the good conditions , lemon grass will produce stalks within four calendar month .
Perennial lemongrass has a life span of around four years . It may hold out longer but at that point , it loses vigor and it ’s secure to start with a fresh plant .
Updated by Nadia Hassani
" Lemon Grass . “Pennsylvania State University .
