Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a fragrant, aromatic herb widely used in cooking for its refreshing citrus flavor, and it offers many health benefits. This herb is not only a culinary delight but also has medicinal properties, being used in teas and as an essential oil in aromatherapy. Whether you’re growing it for cooking, health, or simply for its fresh aroma, lemongrass is an excellent plant to cultivate in your garden. This article will guide you through how to grow, harvest, divide, and use lemongrass in your home garden.
Introduction to Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, making it a perfect addition to herb gardens or container gardens in temperate climates. Known for its tall, slender green leaves and strong citrus scent, lemongrass is typically used in many cuisines, particularly Southeast Asian cooking. It’s also utilized in a variety of forms, including fresh stalks, dried leaves, or essential oils.
Growing lemongrass can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only is it simple to grow, but it can be harvested year-round if given the proper care. Whether you live in a warm climate or a cooler zone, lemongrass is versatile enough to thrive in different environments, from your backyard to a sunny windowsill in a pot.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully grow lemongrass, including planting, caring for, harvesting, dividing, and using this aromatic herb in your everyday life.
1. How to Grow Lemongrass
Choosing the Right Location
Lemongrass thrives in a warm, sunny environment, making it a great plant for your herb garden or containers. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you’re growing lemongrass indoors, place it on a sunny windowsill that faces south or west, where it will get ample sunlight.
Lemongrass grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. If you’re planting it in a garden, choose a spot that receives full sunlight. For container gardening, choose a large pot with drainage holes to allow for proper water flow.
Soil Preparation and Fertilization
Lemongrass prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich it and improve drainage. If planting in a pot, use a good-quality potting mix and ensure the container is large enough to allow for the plant’s root system to grow and spread.
Fertilizing lemongrass is essential to encourage healthy growth. During the growing season, feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to promote vigorous growth. If you’re growing lemongrass in the ground, you can apply organic compost once or twice a year for additional nutrients.
Planting Lemongrass
Lemongrass can be started from seeds, but it’s much easier and faster to propagate from stalks. To propagate from stalks, follow these steps:
- Choose Fresh Stalks: Select a few fresh lemongrass stalks, which are available at many grocery stores or nurseries.
- Rooting the Stalks: Place the lemongrass stalks in a glass of water, ensuring that at least an inch of the base of the stalk is submerged. Place the glass in a sunny spot and change the water every few days. After about 7-14 days, you should see roots developing.
- Planting in the Ground: Once the roots are around 2-3 inches long, it’s time to transplant the stalks into the ground or into a pot. For in-ground planting, space the stalks about 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and root growth. For container planting, choose a large pot (at least 12-18 inches in diameter) and plant one stalk in each container.
2. How to Care for Lemongrass
Watering
Lemongrass prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot summer months, to keep the soil consistently moist. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. To maintain ideal moisture levels, consider mulching around the base of the plant to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Temperature and Climate
Being a tropical plant, lemongrass thrives in warm climates with temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). It is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate cold temperatures, so if you live in a cooler climate, grow lemongrass in containers that can be moved indoors during the winter months. Alternatively, you can treat it as an annual in colder zones, or dig it up and replant in pots before the first frost.
Pruning
Lemongrass grows quickly and may become unruly if not pruned regularly. To keep your plant healthy and tidy, trim the leaves back periodically. You can prune lemongrass by cutting the stalks down to a few inches above the soil. This encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy.
3. How to Harvest Lemongrass
When to Harvest
You can begin harvesting lemongrass once the plant has reached a height of about 12-18 inches, usually within 3-4 months after planting. It’s best to wait until the plant has matured before cutting, as the stalks will have a stronger flavor.
How to Harvest
To harvest lemongrass, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stalks near the base. Always leave a few stalks behind so the plant can continue to grow. Harvesting the outer stalks first allows the inner, younger stalks to continue developing. You can cut stalks as needed, but make sure not to remove too many at once, as this may weaken the plant.
Preserving Lemongrass
To store lemongrass, you can either refrigerate it or dry it. Fresh lemongrass can be wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To dry lemongrass, tie the stalks together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place until fully dried. Dried lemongrass can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.
4. How to Divide Lemongrass
When to Divide
Lemongrass can become crowded after 2-3 years of growth, at which point it’s best to divide the plant to promote healthier growth. You can also divide it if you want to propagate more plants or if it’s outgrowing its container.
How to Divide
To divide lemongrass, dig up the entire clump of stalks and gently separate the roots. You can divide it into two or more sections, ensuring that each division has several healthy stalks and roots. Replant the divisions in new locations, whether in pots or garden beds.
5. How to Use Lemongrass
Culinary Uses
Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes. It can be used in soups, curries, stir-fries, or marinades for meats, poultry, and seafood. Lemongrass adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to the dish and enhances the overall aroma. You can use both the stalks and leaves, but the tender inner part of the stalk is the most flavorful.
Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass is commonly used in herbal teas. To make lemongrass tea, simply cut a few stalks into smaller pieces and steep them in hot water for 5-10 minutes. The resulting tea is refreshing and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Aromatherapy and Medicinal Uses
Lemongrass essential oil has calming properties and can be used in diffusers or diluted for massage. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, making it a great addition to natural skincare routines. Some people use lemongrass tea to soothe digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
Conclusion
Growing lemongrass is a satisfying and rewarding experience that can enhance your garden and provide fresh, flavorful herbs for your kitchen. Whether you use it in your cooking, as a soothing tea, or in aromatherapy, lemongrass offers a multitude of uses and benefits. By following the steps outlined above—planting, caring for, harvesting, dividing, and using lemongrass—you can enjoy a constant supply of this aromatic herb year-round. Start growing your own lemongrass today, and reap the rewards of having this versatile herb just a step away in your garden.
Ready to grow your own lemongrass and enjoy its fresh flavors and health benefits? Start today and transform your garden into a fragrant, flavorful haven!