Lemongrass is a fragrant herb that adds a citrusy zest to a variety of dishes and beverages. Whether you’re looking to elevate your cooking, make your own herbal teas, or create an aromatic addition to your garden, lemongrass is an excellent plant to grow. It’s easy to care for, and once established, it can be harvested year-round. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of growing, harvesting, dividing, and using lemongrass in your everyday life.
1. Understanding Lemongrass: The Basics
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant known for its tall, narrow leaves and strong lemon aroma. It’s native to Southeast Asia and thrives in warm climates, making it an ideal herb for home gardeners in USDA zones 9–11. However, it can be grown indoors or in containers in cooler regions, as long as it’s given plenty of sunlight and warmth.
Lemongrass is best known for its culinary uses. It’s a key ingredient in many Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes, contributing a fresh, citrusy flavor that can transform soups, curries, salads, and teas. Beyond the kitchen, lemongrass also offers medicinal properties, often used in traditional remedies for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
2. How to Grow Lemongrass
Growing lemongrass at home is straightforward, whether you’re planting it directly in the ground or in a pot. Here’s how to get started:
a. Choose the Right Location
Lemongrass is a sun-loving plant and requires a minimum of 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun or opt for a sunny windowsill or balcony if you’re growing it indoors. It grows well in both garden beds and containers, so it’s versatile for a variety of growing spaces.
b. Prepare the Soil
Lemongrass prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6 and 7. If your garden soil is heavy and clay-like, improve its drainage by mixing in organic compost or sand. For container gardening, a good-quality potting mix will do the trick.
c. Start with Healthy Planting Material
You can start lemongrass from seeds, but it’s more commonly propagated from cuttings or stalks. To grow lemongrass from cuttings, select a fresh bunch from the store that still has its roots intact, or buy a starter plant from a nursery. If starting from a stalk, place it in a glass of water with the bottom submerged until roots form. This process usually takes 1–2 weeks.
Once the roots are established, plant the stalks in your garden or in a large container. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart, as lemongrass can grow quite large, with stalks reaching 3–6 feet in height.
d. Watering and Feeding
Lemongrass enjoys moist soil, so keep it well-watered, especially during hot weather. However, ensure that the soil drains well to avoid root rot. In containers, make sure there’s a drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.
Fertilize your lemongrass every month during the growing season (spring through summer) with a balanced organic fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use compost or worm castings to provide essential nutrients. During the colder months, reduce watering and fertilization as the plant enters a dormant state.
e. Protecting from Frost
Lemongrass is not frost-tolerant. If you live in an area with cold winters, you can bring your plant indoors or harvest it before the first frost and store it in a cool, dry place. If growing it outdoors, you can protect the plant with frost blankets or mulch to shield it from freezing temperatures.
3. How to Harvest Lemongrass
Once your lemongrass plant is well-established, it’s time to start harvesting. The best time to harvest lemongrass is during the growing season, typically late summer or early fall, when the stalks are thick and the aroma is strongest.
a. Harvesting the Outer Stalks
To harvest lemongrass, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the outer stalks at the base of the plant, leaving the inner stalks intact to allow the plant to continue growing. Always harvest a few stalks at a time, as taking too many may stunt the plant’s growth. Be sure to only harvest stalks that are at least 12 inches tall.
b. Removing Dead or Damaged Leaves
In addition to harvesting the stalks, regularly remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth. Trim away any yellowing or brown leaves, as these are often a sign of stress or disease.
4. How to Divide Lemongrass
Over time, your lemongrass plant will become large and may need to be divided to keep it healthy and productive. Dividing lemongrass also gives you more plants to share or relocate around your garden.
a. Timing the Division
Lemongrass should be divided every 1 to 2 years. The best time to do so is during the early spring before the new growing season begins, as this will give the divided plants plenty of time to establish their roots before the heat of summer.
b. Dividing the Root Ball
To divide lemongrass, gently dig up the plant and shake off excess soil. Using a sharp knife or gardening spade, cut the root ball into two or three sections, making sure that each division has at least a few healthy roots attached.
c. Replanting the Divisions
Plant the divided sections in new containers or in different areas of your garden. Ensure that each section is well-watered and receives plenty of sunlight to encourage strong growth. Water the newly divided plants regularly, and within a few weeks, they should begin to establish themselves and grow new stalks.
5. How to Use Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a wonderfully versatile herb with a wide range of uses. Whether fresh, dried, or frozen, lemongrass can add an incredible flavor to many dishes and drinks. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your culinary repertoire:
a. Culinary Uses
Lemongrass is a key ingredient in many Southeast Asian recipes. You can use it fresh in curries, soups, stir-fries, and marinades. To extract the flavor, bruise the stalks with a mallet or knife and then cut them into chunks. The stalks are often removed before serving, but the flavor they impart is unforgettable.
In addition to savory dishes, lemongrass pairs wonderfully with desserts, especially those that involve coconut milk, like Thai coconut soup or coconut ice cream.
b. Making Herbal Tea
Lemongrass tea is refreshing, soothing, and offers numerous health benefits. To make tea, simply chop fresh lemongrass stalks and steep them in boiling water for 5–10 minutes. Add honey or other sweeteners for a delightful drink.
c. Medicinal Uses
Lemongrass is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. It’s commonly used to relieve stress, improve digestion, and even treat colds and coughs. Lemongrass oil is also popular in aromatherapy for its refreshing scent and calming effects.
d. Preserving Lemongrass
If you have an abundance of lemongrass, you can preserve it by drying or freezing it. To dry lemongrass, tie the stalks together and hang them in a warm, dry area until fully dried. For freezing, chop the lemongrass into pieces and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
6. Conclusion: Why You Should Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance herb that offers both culinary and medicinal benefits. It’s a great addition to any garden, whether you have a large plot of land or just a small windowsill. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh lemongrass for teas, cooking, and natural remedies all year round. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the joy of growing and using this fragrant herb in your home!