How do you plant lemon grass
Growing & Planting Lemongrass | General Planting & Growing Tips – Bonnie Plants
Discover how to grow lemongrass. Growing lemongrass in your own garden means having a fresh, delicious ingredient for a variety of Asian dishes.
Lemongrass is a tropical herb packed with strong citrus flavor. The lemon taste is prized in Asian cooking, as well as in teas, sauces, and soups. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 5 feet tall. Its appearance rivals that of many ornamental grasses and can easily fulfill a similar role in the landscape. For an easy path to successful growing, look for vigorous young lemongrass plants from Bonnie Plants®, the company that has been helping home gardeners succeed for over a century.
Quick Guide to Growing Lemongrass
- Plant lemongrass in spring, once all chances of frost have passed. It's a perfect plant for growing in-ground, as you would with ornamental grasses, or in containers.
- Lemongrass likes it hot, so grow it in an area with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.
5 to 7.0. Space plants 24 inches apart.
- Kick off the growing season by mixing several inches aged compost or other rich organic matter into your native soil.
- Provide lemongrass with consistent moisture and water when the top inch becomes dry.
- Get the most out of your growing efforts by regularly feeding with a water-soluble plant food.
- Harvest lemongrass stalks once plants reach 12 inches tall and are a half-inch wide at the base.
Soil, Planting, and Care
Lemongrass thrives in full sun, even in hot Southern locations. Give this herb rich, well-drained soil. To improve fertility and enhance the soil's ability to hold water, improve the soil by mixing in composted manure or aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics™ All Purpose In-Ground Soil. If you're adding several lemongrass plants to planting beds, space plants 24 inches apart.
Plant lemongrass in a large pot that is at least 12 inches across, or use a 5-gallon bucket.
Be sure to use a premium quality potting soil, such as Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics™ All Purpose Container Mix, which contains aged compost and provides just the right organic nutrition to give lemongrass plants a strong start. Lemongrass grows tall, and pots can easily tip in windy weather, so place containers in a slightly protected location.
Provide a steady supply of moisture for best growth—don't let lemongrass roots dry out. In addition to starting with great soil, fertilize plants every couple of weeks during the growing season with a water-soluble plant food like Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition. It improves the nutritional environment for your lemongrass plants by feeding the beneficial microbes in the soil as well as your plants, leading to strong, impressive growth.
In cold regions, overwinter lemongrass indoors by digging up a few stalks, trimming them down to just a few inches tall, and planting them in smaller pots. Place them in a bright, south-facing window.
Keep soil barely moist, as plants grow very slowly over winter. Another option is to store a pot of lemongrass, cut down, in a cool, dark place like a basement. Water just a few times over winter to keep roots alive. In spring, bring the pot into a bright spot, and resume normal watering. Shift outdoors when temperatures are above 40°F.
Due to its tropical nature, lemongrass usually only survives winters in zones 8 and warmer. In other areas, try growing lemongrass as an annual in planting beds or tucked into pots. This citrus-flavored grass overwinters well in a dormant state in a cool, dark spot indoors, or you can grow it as an indoor herb through winter in colder zones.
Troubleshooting
Few pests bother lemongrass. This herb is actually sometimes used in concoctions to repel insects. Occasionally, though, spider mites will attack plants overwintering indoors.
As lemongrass grows, it forms a tight clump that's difficult to dig into. Use a sharp spade or hatchet to remove roots in early spring.
Slice it like a pie, then pry slices of roots free. Keep an eye on plants in pots. With sufficient water, roots can quickly fill a too-small pot and burst it.
Harvest and Storage
Harvest lemongrass for its bulbous stem bases, rich with lemony flavor, or clip leaves for infusing tea and soup stock.
Start harvesting as soon as plants are 12 inches tall and stem bases are at least ½-inch thick. Cut stalks at ground level, or hand-pull entire stalks. You want to get the entire swollen base, which resembles a scallion or green onion. If a few roots come up with the stalk, don't worry: It won't harm the plant.
The edible portion of lemongrass is near the bottom of the stalk. Carefully cut off the grassy top part of the plant; use caution, as this can be razor-sharp at times. Leaves can be bundled and added to the liquid in a teapot or stock pot, then simmered to infuse lemon flavor into the brew.
Take the lemongrass base and peel the outer fibrous layer to expose the inner white, reedy part.
To store, freeze this part either whole or chopped. To make slicing easier, first crush the stem base with the flat blade of a knife. The heart of the stalk (the part you want) has the consistency of soft butter and will then slice easily.
Uses
Lemongrass is best known for its use in Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Vietnamese. In the kitchen, use tender inner stalk bases in stir fries, salads, and sauces. To freeze lemongrass, store thinly sliced pieces in single layers in zipper-seal bags. To use, break off as much as you need for individual dishes. Or, freeze lemongrass minced or as a purée.
Leaves make a great addition to marinades and can be steeped in hot water for tea. After use, add leaves to your compost pile or puree them and scatter them in the grass along the edges of a patio or deck to help deter insects. To dry leaves, bundle them and hang them upside down in a dark place until dry. Store in tightly sealed jars. Dried lemongrass retains its flavor up to one year.
Herbs LemonGrass
How to grow lemongrass: an easy step-by-step
(Image credit: Anna Voss/Unsplash)
If you're wondering how to grow lemongrass, then look no further. We've rounded up the top tips to help you add this aromatic herb to your herb garden.
A staple of Thai and Vietnamese cooking, lemongrass is renowned for its citrusy aroma and zingy taste. While it is a herb, lemongrass is not commonly found in herb gardens, despite being surprisingly easy to grow. Yes, that's right, you can grow your own lemongrass as part of your vegetable garden ideas.
Originating from the tropical climes of Sri Lanka and South India, lemongrass thrives in constant heat, meaning that in most parts of the US and Europe it is best grown in containers that can be moved to the sunniest spot of the garden – and into a greenhouse or indoors when the weather gets colder.
Lemongrass can grow to between 3 to 5ft tall in a single season so keeping it in a container will also constrict its growth, making it easier to maintain.
How to grow lemongrass: picking the right variety
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If you want to grow lemongrass for use in cooking, it is important to pick the right variety for your kitchen garden ideas.
West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is the favored choice for cooking, though East Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is also edible.
Be sure to avoid Citronella grass which is sometimes marketed as a type of lemongrass. While Citronella grass is similar and also edible, it is in fact a part of the geranium family. It is easy to tell the difference between citronella grass and lemongrass as lemongrass has a yellow-green color with a white base, while citronella grass has a reddish tinge towards the base.
How to grow lemongrass from seed
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'Sow lemongrass seeds in either cell packs or flats and press into soil.
Cover the seeds very lightly with compost as light aids germination,' advises Don McCulley, owner of Swallowtail Garden Seeds . 'Keep at 70°F and germination should take between 10 and 20 days. Once the roots show through the bottom of the pot transplant into the garden at 12 inches apart and in rows 18 inches apart'.
How to grow lemongrass from shop purchased shoots
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To grow lemongrass from shop purchased roots, look for firm and fresh stems as these will have the best chance at success. Then put the stems in a glass of water with the thick, white end covered by the water and place on a windowsill.
Make sure to change the water every couple of days to prevent bacterial growth and within a few weeks roots will have appeared. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, transfer them to pots of compost and return them to the windowsill to continue their growth.
Keep watered and feed every two weeks with a seaweed fertiliser.
Place outside after the first frost.
How to grow lemongrass for the best crop
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The key to growing lemongrass is full sun and nutrient-rich well drained soil. 'If planting in-ground, space plants 24 inches apart,' says Amy Enfield, Horticulturist for Bonnie Plants . 'If growing in containers, place one plant per pot and pick a container that is at least 12-inches in diameter.'
Is lemongrass easy to grow?
Photo by Anna Voss on Unsplash
(Image credit: Anna Voss/Unsplash)
So long as you have the right conditions, then lemongrass is very easy to grow. So, what conditions does lemongrass need to grow? Simply put, lemongrass loves heat and light. It needs a minimum of six hours of light per day.
Since lemongrass loves heat, dehydration is also a risk – so be sure to water daily. 'Don't let the roots dry out,' warns Amy Enfield, Horticulturist for Bonnie Plants. 'Provide them with a steady supply of moisture for best growth.
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'Plants can be harvested as soon as they are 12 inches tall and stem bases are at least 0.5-inch thick. It will easily reach 3-5 feet tall and 2 feet wide in a single growing season,' continues Amy.
How to grow lemongrass so it comes back every year
Lemongrass is a tender perennial meaning that it does come back every year so long as you take care of it properly. Lemongrass will die if it is exposed to cold weather and frost so while it can live outside all year round in USDA zones 8b and 9, it will need to be taken indoors in other zones. Therefore it is best grown in containers.
While it may need to come inside during the winter months, lemongrass does not fare well as a strictly indoor plant due to the lack of light it receives. Bring your pot of lemongrass indoors at the end of summer and cut back watering to once every two weeks.
How to grow lemongrass over winter?
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Knowing how to grow lemongrass is a key part of maintaining a healthy plant.
Lemongrass needs special care over winter due to its lack of tolerance to frost.
'To over-winter lemongrass, lift the plants in early autumn, pot up and grow through the winter in a greenhouse with a minimum winter temperature of 45°F. Keep the compost just moist throughout winter,' advises Sue Sanderson, horticultural expert at Thompson & Morgan .
Of course you don't have to grow the plant over winter and can simply treat it as an annual. With the rapid growth time (up to 5ft in one growing season), it is very easy to grow a new plant each year.
How long does it take to grow lemongrass?
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If grown from seed and in a favorable climate lemongrass 'will be ready to harvest 75-100 days after sowing. It will continue to grow until the first hard frost in fall.' advises Amy Enfield, Horticulturist for Bonnie Plants.
Of course if you're growing from small plants or supermarket-bought stems this will be a lot shorter as you don't have to wait for the seed to germinate and establish before harvesting lemongrass.
If your plant becomes too large simply divide as you would with a hosta or other herbaceous perennial. It's a very easy way to double your lemongrass plants.
How to prepare lemongrass to eat?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Having learned how to grow lemongrass and successfully harvested your crop – by snapping the stems off at the base of the plant – its now time to use it in your favorite curries, soups and dishes.
While it may seem daunting, it's actually very easy to prepare lemongrass for cooking. Simply remove the woody bulb end and then peel the outer layers to reveal the tender stem inside.
By growing your own, you will be able to harvest your crop before it becomes too woody – as is the case with lots of shop-bought versions of this herb. Plus as you harvest it fresh, it also has a much more intense flavor than those purchased in shops.
You can also use your lemongrass leaves to make tea. Dry the leaves in cool place, then ground up and brew with boiling water for a refreshing citrusy drink.
Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.
Cultivation of lemongrass
Lemongrass
Otherwise:
Lemongrass, Lemon grass, East Indian lemongrass, Malabar grass, Cochin grass, Cymbopogon sinuta
Lemongrass © Photo: Elena Malankina
Cymbopogon flexuosus
Family Cereals (Gramineae)
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Botanical portrait
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is a fast growing plant that can reach a height of 180 cm in tropical climates and grows best in colder regions where it grows up to 1 m.
annual daily temperatures are in the range of +22…+30°C. The leaves are light green, long, smooth, narrow, sharp (they can easily be cut like sedge leaves). It grows in a bunch, does not spread. It blooms, but her flowers are invisible against the background of a huge bunch of leaves. The leaves and stems have a pleasant citrus aroma. Outside the tropical zone, the plant is grown in gardens, pots and greenhouses as an ornamental plant. nine0003
Cultivation of lemongrass
In our climate, cultivation of lemongrass is possible mainly through seedlings.
Seeding seed . Seeds are sown in moist nutrient soil to a depth of no more than 0.5 cm. The container with planted seeds is covered with a transparent film and left in a room with a temperature above +20°C. Since seedlings need a lot of sunlight, seedlings are best kept on a south window. Landing in open ground usually occurs in late May - early June.
Before planting, seedlings must be put out for a day on the street for several days, and brought into the house in the evening. Then leave seedling boxes with lemongrass outside for several days and at night. And only after such acclimatization, seedlings can be planted in a permanent place in open ground. nine0003
Outdoor cultivation of this plant in our country is possible only as an annual crop. The plant is very afraid of low temperatures and dies already at a temperature of + 5 ° C.
As a perennial, lemon grass can only be grown in containers or boxes. In the summer, such a container can be easily buried in the ground or simply placed next to a resting place in the garden. Its lemon scent will not only flavor the air, but also protect you from mosquitoes. nine0003
Landing place . Lemon grass loves the sun, although it can grow in areas with light shade. A place in the garden for this plant is better to find a sunny, closed from the north winds.
Soil . Soils are preferred light, well-drained, better - sandy, with a slightly acidic pH. Plants growing in sandy soils have a higher leaf yield and a higher citral content. Lemongrass grows well in swampy areas. The soil should be nutritious and constantly moist. nine0003
Watering . To provide the roots with the constant moisture they need, it is necessary to mulch the soil under the plant with a layer of mulch of at least 8-10 cm. Watering is necessary abundant, preferably with soft rain water or warm, settled tap water.
Harvest . Leaves and stems are cut as needed. For drying, cut lemongrass leaves are cut into small pieces and laid out under a canopy. Leaves should be dried as soon as possible within 24 hours, a conventional dryer can be used for this. A long period of drying, for example in the sun, causes the leaves to lose color and the quality of the aroma is reduced. Dried lemongrass should be stored in airtight containers, preferably in glass jars.
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Wintering . With the end of the warm season, the container of lemongrass is returned to the room. Even if the plant grew in open ground, if desired, it can be easily transplanted into a pot and also brought into the room, where it will continue to delight with its citrus aroma. This option will allow you to always have on hand and seasoning, and tea, and medicine. And the citrus aroma of lemongrass not only refreshes, but also purifies the air in the room.
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Lemongrass: cultivation and care
Lemongrass: cultivation and care12/16/2016
Lemongrass is a perennial herb that is one of the most popular spices among Asian cooks. It has an unusual lemon-ginger and citrus aroma and has received many names: lemongrass, shuttle beard, cymbopogon, lemongrass.
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What lemongrass looks like
Lemongrass has a strong root system, thanks to which it firmly “clings” to the ground. The leaves of this plant acquire a light green color with growth and are distinguished by an elongated shape. Lemongrass can grow up to 2 meters in hot climates and up to 1 meter in cool climates. Delicate lemon aroma and the same taste are not tolerated by mosquitoes and other insects, which allows its practical properties.
Lemongrass: growing at home
Most often, lemongrass is grown in a pot. Such a houseplant adapts well to the new environment and fills the room with a light lemon scent. Lemongrass can also be grown outdoors, but since this plant does not like the cold, it will have to be transplanted into a container for the winter and brought into the house.
Lemongrass does not spread over large areas. A dense bunch grows very slowly in breadth, which allows you to plant other plants nearby. Lemongrass should be planted in open ground at the beginning of summer, but not earlier than June 5th. With a decrease in temperature (approximately mid-August), it is worth starting to transplant it into containers or pots and transfer them to the house, to the veranda or terrace. To grow well indoors, lemongrass must be provided with constant light. nine0003
Reproduction
There are three ways to propagate lemongrass: small bulbs, cuttings, or seeds. Most often resort to the latter. To do this, lemongrass seeds need to be wrapped in a damp cloth, wrapped in plastic and left in a warm place for 12 hours. After they must be dried and sown on seedlings. The growth of each seed will be accelerated if planted in a separate container. The recommended depth is 0.5-1 cm. After that, they should be placed on a well-lit window sill. It is advisable to sow lemongrass for seedlings in mid-March. After the sprouts have reached 15-20 cm, they can be planted in separate large pots. nine0003
Outdoor planting
Picky, light and heat-loving - this is how you can describe lemongrass.
At home, growing such a plant is not difficult, but at the same time you need to constantly look after it. To begin with, the plant is prepared for a change of environment. To do this, you need to periodically put it on the balcony, later - on the street. When landing in open ground, it is worth choosing a place that is free from direct sunlight. Large shrubs or openwork shade trees are well suited. It is advisable to fertilize the soil before planting, as lemongrass quickly absorbs all the nutrients thanks to the large horse system. Lemongrass soil likes light, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. At the same time, the soil must be nutritious and constantly moist, to ensure which it is worth mulching the soil before planting. nine0003
Lemon grass care
It is better to water lemongrass with warm settled water, and if possible, rain. Water can not be spared, as the roots quickly absorb it and dry the soil. Trimming the lemongrass is optional. This is done more for a better aesthetic appearance.
