What does lemongrass plant look like

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.

Lemongrass grown in the vegetable garden, herbs have medicinal properties.

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.

Avoid planting lemongrass in clay soil. This tropical plant craves moisture, but is quickly killed by heavy soil that makes water puddle.Before cooking with lemongrass, be sure to remove the tough outer layers to reach the tender layers inside.

Herbs LemonGrass

How to Grow Lemongrass | Gardener’s Path

Cymbopogon citratus

The first time I harvested lemongrass in Virginia, I was invigorated by its refreshing, citrusy fragrance. It sure provided a nice contrast to the fall greens and roots I was harvesting from the fields.

Lemongrass is an herb used in the kitchen for its citrus flavor and scent. It’s native to the tropics, so it does require some protection from the cold. Besides that, it is fairly easy to grow.

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Keep reading to learn how you can grow it in your garden.

What You’ll Learn

What Is Lemongrass?
Cultivation and History
Propagation
How to Grow
Growing Tips
Cultivars to Select
Managing Pests and Disease
Harvesting
Preserving
Recipes and Cooking Ideas
Quick Reference Growing Guide

What Is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a tender perennial grass in the Cymbopogon genus.

Since it’s native to the tropics, this herb only survives as a perennial outdoors in plant hardiness Zones 10 and 11. If you live in Zone 9 or below, you can keep it perennial by bringing it inside during the winter.

When people say “lemongrass,” they may be referring to a number of different species. These include West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and East Indian lemongrass (C. flexuosus). Both of these species have an aromatic citrus scent and are used for culinary purposes.

Other closely related species are C. nardus and C. winterianus. These two are both types of citronella grass, which can deter pests in the garden, but are not generally used in the kitchen. Their scent is more grassy and musky than that of lemongrass.

Lemongrass grows in a clumping habit, with multiple stalks emerging from the same base. It can grow up to five feet tall with a spread up to four feet wide.

The plant’s upright arching shape and attractive green leaves will add interest and texture to your garden.

This herb is used in many cuisines for its edible, aromatic leaves and stalks. Both have a strong citrus scent and a flavor reminiscent of lemon (hence the name!).

Both the leaves and the stalks are used to flavor dishes such as soups and curries, but as they can be very fibrous, they are usually removed after cooking.

The most prized part of this plant is the stalk’s tender inner core, which develops once stalks grow to be at least half an inch in diameter.

While young stalks consist mainly of fibrous leaves, as they grow larger, the inside of the stalk develops a soft center that can be chopped and added to cooking without needing to be removed before eating.

Cultivation and History

This tropical grass is native to southeast Asia. The Department of Export Agriculture of Sri Lanka reports that the earliest reference to lemongrass oil came from the Philippines in the 17th century.

Apparently this herb was introduced to Jamaica towards the end of the 18th century. Commercial production in the US started in the early 20th century, in Florida.

It is used around the world for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Containing a variety of vitamins and minerals, it is also rich in phytochemical compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids.

The citrus scent comes from citral, one of the volatile oil compounds which also includes monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.

People often consume lemongrass essential oil for its antimicrobial properties. According to research published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research in 2011, the oil can help with sore throats, rheumatism, and digestion issues.

A tea made from the leaves or stalks is also reported to help with gastrointestinal problems, stress, and bladder issues.

In the kitchen it’s most often used in southeast Asian cuisines such as Thai, Laotian, and Vietnamese food, giving them their characteristic citrus tones.

Propagation

You can grow this herb from seed, from cuttings, or by division.

From Seed

If you choose to propagate lemongrass from seed, start in the spring.

To direct seed, wait until all danger of frost has passed. Choose a location with full sun and well-draining, nitrogen-rich soil. Plant individual seeds six inches apart.

Only put a sprinkling of soil over the seeds, as they need plenty of light to be able to germinate. Seedlings can take up to three weeks to emerge, and you’ll need to keep the soil moist during this period.

Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin individual plants to two feet apart. You can transplant the seedlings you remove to another location if you wish.

If you are starting seeds indoors in seedling trays or containers, plant seeds one month before your predicted last frost date.

If you want to plant in pots, choose one that is at least one foot wide and one foot deep. Lemongrass does spread, so it can quickly fill up the whole container. With its habit of spreading quickly, if you don’t want it to take over your garden, growing in pots is a good way to keep it contained.

Fill containers with nutrient-dense soil and plant seeds six inches apart. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin single plants or clumps of plants to one to two feet apart.

To transplant seedlings, wait until they are at least three inches tall and all danger of frost has passed. Plant two feet apart with two to three feet in between rows.

From Cuttings

Cuttings taken from mature lemongrass plants can be rooted for later planting.

To take a cutting, cut the stalk cleanly with a knife about an inch from the ground. This will allow the stalk left in the ground to regrow. Cut off the upper portion of the stalk, leaving only the bottom three to four inches.

If you don’t have lemongrass plants in your garden, look for it in the produce section of your grocery store. This herb is commonly found in Asian markets.

Cut off the leaves and use them in your cooking, making sure that you’ve got a good three to four inches of stalk, to allow for successful root formation. Don’t cut off any of the bottom portion of the stem. If you do so, it’s unlikely to be able to form roots.

Next, to root your cutting, place it in a cup of water with the base of the stalk submerged. Change the water daily.

The plant will begin forming roots within a week. After two to three weeks, the roots will be large enough to support the plant.

At this point, transplant your lemongrass into well-aerated, nutrient-dense soil in a container or outdoors. Dig a half-inch hole, place the cutting root side down, and backfill around the stem with soil.

You should be able to start harvesting about two to three months after you’ve planted them out.

From Divided Plants

The best time to divide mature perennials is in the spring.

This herb is a clumping grass, meaning it grows multiple stalks from the base. These stalks can be divided and planted in a different location.

To divide, you’ll need to gently separate some stalks from the main clump. One way to do this is to firmly grasp a stalk and pull it until it separates from the rest of the plant. If the roots are very twisted together and tangled, you may need to use a knife to carefully separate them, keeping some roots intact on each stalk for replanting.

Alternatively, you can dig up a whole plant and then separate the stalks with your hands or a knife.

Each division should contain at least one stalk with intact roots.

After separating, plant the divisions one to two feet apart in your desired location. Make sure this area has full sun as well as nutrient-dense and well-aerated soil.

How to Grow

Lemongrass is a tender perennial, meaning it will die back in colder climates. If you live in Zone 10 or above, you can grow it outside in the garden all year round. Once established, it doesn’t need much in the way of attention.

Gardeners in Zone 9 and below will need to protect their plants during winter. The easiest way to do this is to grow it in containers. This way, when frost threatens, you can move your containers indoors to protect them from plummeting temperatures.

Whether you’re growing it in the ground or in containers, lemongrass requires full sun and well-draining, moist soil that’s rich in organic matter.

If you start plants from seed, they will be ready to harvest in 75 to 100 days after sowing seeds.

If you leave the plants past this point, without cutting for harvest they will continue to grow and provide ornamental interest in the garden year-round in warm climates.

With the arrival of frost, they will die back and can be removed and added to the compost pile. If they have enough room, they can expand up to four feet in diameter, so bear this in mind when you choose your location!

Growing Tips

Give plants plenty of room to spread out
Protect from frost and cold weather by bringing them indoors.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged and in dry areas you can mist the leaves for humidity. If you’re growing in containers, water when the soil is dry to an inch below the surface.

Cultivars to Select

Lemongrass is most often labeled with this generic common name.

When you are looking for plants for your garden, look for C. citratus or West Indian lemongrass. This species is the best for culinary use, thanks to its strong, citrus flavor.

West Indian Lemongrass

There is only one cultivated variety of this species.

Seeds and plants are available at Burpee.

Managing Pests and Disease

This crop is one of the easiest to grow in terms of pest and disease pressure. Pests rarely attack it as it contains citronella, a natural pest-repelling compound.

Lemongrass Rust

The only real disease threat to these plants is a fungus called lemongrass rust (Puccinia nakanishikii). Symptoms include brown, red, and yellow streaks on the leaves and this usually occurs in excessively damp, moist conditions.

If you spot rust on your plants, prune out infected areas.

To prevent rust, ensure that plants have adequate space between them to allow for proper airflow.

Yellow Sugarcane Aphid

Most pests give this plant a fairly wide berth, apart from one persistent aphid, Sipha flava. This particular pest is yellow and about two millimeters in length. It sucks the sap out of leaves, causing yellow or brown spots.

If you spot this pest on your plant, spray the aphids off with a blast of water or use neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can read more about aphid control here.

Harvesting

The shoots and leaves of the plant can be used for flavoring dishes and for aromatherapy purposes.

The leaves can be harvested once they are about a foot tall. Use scissors or a knife to cut off what you need. When you cut the stalks make sure you leave at least an inch at the bottom if you want the plant to continue growing.

If you want to use the tender core, wait until the stalks are at least half an inch in diameter. If you harvest the stalks when they are smaller, the cores will still be fibrous.

To harvest, use a knife to cut the base of the stalk an inch above ground level. Separate the stalk from the rest of the clump, and repeat until you have as much as you need.

The whole plant can also be pulled out of the ground to harvest multiple stalks. You can do this at any time after the plant is ready to harvest, particularly at the end of the season in colder regions when you know your plants will soon succumb to the weather.

Preserving

Lemongrass freezes well. To prepare the leaves and shoots, cut them into three- to four-inch lengths.

Alternatively, prepare ahead for your favorite recipes by chopping or slicing the stalks and leaves before putting them in the freezer. You just want pieces small enough that they can fit into an airtight container or zip-top bag.

Next, place the pieces in a plastic zip-top bag and into your freezer. They will keep for up to a year.

To use, remove from the freezer, defrost, and cut pieces into the size you need. It can then be used just as you would use the fresh herb.

Learn more about freezing fresh herbs here.

You can also dehydrate the plants. If you live in a dry climate, cut the stalks and leaves into three- to six-inch pieces and place them on a wire cooling rack in a dry location.

The plants will dehydrate in one to two weeks. They are ready when there is no moisture left in them and they feel quite rigid. Discard any plant material that develops mold – this is a sign that your climate or your current weather conditions are too humid to air dry the herbs.

If this is the case, drying in the oven or in a food dehydrator may be a better option for you. Store dried lemongrass in an airtight bag or container in a cool, dry location for up to six months.

To dehydrate, set your oven to its lowest setting (usually warm or around 180ºF), and place three- to six-inch sections of leaves and shoots onto a baking sheet. The plants will dry in two to three hours.

Another option is to dry lemongrass in a dehydrator. You’ll find a roundup of the best models on the market today on our sister site, Foodal.

Learn more about drying herbs here.

Recipes and Cooking Ideas

Lemongrass is used extensively in many southeast Asian dishes. It’s a key component of many curry pastes along with ingredients such as ginger and garlic.

It’s important to note that most parts of the lemongrass plant are added to dishes for flavoring and then removed before consumption. This includes the fibrous leaves and outer stalks. If you harvest from younger plants, they can be chopped finely and don’t need to be removed.

Photo by Meghan Yager

Try using your lemongrass in this spicy and comforting red coconut curry chicken with toasted sesame noodles from our sister site, Foodal.

Another great way to use lemongrass is in a refreshing tea. Combine either fresh or dried leaves or stalks with ginger and hot water. Steep for ten minutes, strain, and sweeten to your liking with honey or sugar.

You could try making your own essential oil from lemongrass, although it won’t be as pungent as the aromatherapy oil you can buy. To do this, you’ll need some mature lemongrass stalks. Discard the leaves as it’s the mature stalks that contain the highest concentrations of oil.

Clean the stalks thoroughly and chop them into half- to one-inch sections. Using a mortar and pestle, gently crush them to release the oils.

Place the crushed stalks into a glass jar and cover them with a neutral carrier oil such as almond or grapeseed.

Secure the lid and shake the jar before placing it in a sunny spot and leave it for two to three days, gently shaking once or twice a day. Strain, then store the oil in a cool, dark place.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Plant Type:	Tender perennial grass	Water Needs:	1 inch per week
Native to:	Southeast Asia	Maintenance:	Low
Hardiness (USDA Zone):	8b-12	Soil Type:	Nitrogen rich, friable
Season:	Year round	Soil pH:	5.5-7.5
Exposure:	Full sun	Soil Drainage:	Well-draining
Time to Maturity:	75-100 days	Companion Planting:	Mint, cilantro
Spacing:	1-2 feet per clump	Avoid Planting With:	Corn, tomatoes
Planting Depth:	Surface, for seeds	Family:	Poaceae
Height:	Up to 5 feet	Subfamily:	Panicodeae
Spread:	4 feet	Genus:	Cymbopogon
Tolerance:	Heat, repels insects	Species:	citratus
Common Pests:	Yellow sugarcane aphid	Common Disease:	Lemongrass rust

An Easy to Cultivate Taste of the Tropics

Lemongrass really is one of the easiest plants to grow, as long as you protect it from the cold. It adds a nice, bright aroma and taste to the kitchen and attractive greenery to the garden.

Have you tried growing this herb at home? Let us know in the comments.

And if you’re looking to add other herbs to your garden, check out these growing guides:

How to Grow and Use Lemon Balm
How to Grow Flavorful Cardamom in Your Home Garden
Ginger Houseplant Care Tips: How to Grow Ginger Indoors

Photo by Meghan Yager © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published December 9th, 2019. Last updated April 2nd, 2023. Product photo via Burpee. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. With additional writing and editing by Clare Groom and Allison Sidhu.

The staff at Gardener’s Path are not medical professionals and this article should not be construed as medical advice intended to assess, diagnose, prescribe, or promise cure. Gardener’s Path and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. Always consult with a medical professional before changing your diet or using plant-based remedies or supplements for health and wellness.

photos, benefits and harms, calories, recipes, planting and care However, this plant has nothing in common with citrus except for the sour taste. Meanwhile, the berries of the tree are very useful and can be used in cooking. Let's find out what lemongrass is.

What it looks like

Schisandra found its distribution in the Far East. The branches of the tree usually do not exceed 2 centimeters in thickness and 10 meters in length. The fruits of lemongrass are rounded, slightly elongated, bright red in color. They grow on the cob, similar to bunches of grapes. Lemongrass is resistant to frost, its flowering falls at the beginning of summer. The smell of lemon is not only berries, but also the roots, as well as the stem and leaves. The tree is used in medicinal medicine.

Species

There are a total of 25 Schisandra species, but only a few are cultivated. The most popular is Chinese, which is common even in the northern part of Russia, although there the plant does not have large yields. This species is distinguished by large flowers, the diameter of which can reach 15 centimeters. Chinese lemongrass begins to bloom closer to summer. Another species is the Crimean. It is distinguished by frost resistance, it loves well-lit areas and blooms in early summer. The shrubs of the plant are low, reaching a maximum of 70 centimeters in height. This species is used for the preparation of tinctures, namely tea.

Varieties

Breeders have bred many varieties, but only two are the most popular. The first of them has a non-trivial name - Firstborn . It is an unpretentious and frost-resistant plant with pink flowers growing in the form of brushes. One brush can have up to 40 berries. The first-born is grown in Central Russia and the Moscow region. Approximately the same area at Sadovoe . This variety is characterized by shiny and greenish leaves. Its fruits are very juicy and sour.

Benefits

The Chinese discovered the beneficial properties of lemongrass 15 centuries ago. In Russia, the plant began to be used in the 19th century. Modern people owe the discovery of lemongrass to Vladimir Komarov, a researcher of the Far East, who discovered that berries and leaves, as well as tree roots, are used everywhere. Now lemongrass is used in pharmacology and is part of many drugs, including those used in military affairs.

Lemongrass contains essential oils, citric, tartaric and ascorbic acids, sugar, many macro- and microelements, vitamins (in particular, E and P). The main feature of the fruit is a tonic effect. In this regard, doctors recommend eating berries to restore strength. Schizandra is also used to treat many diseases, including asthma, neurasthenia, it also helps to reduce the effect of seasickness. For diabetics, the consumption of berries will lower their sugar levels, and for sailors it will serve as an excellent remedy in the fight against scurvy. During World War II, lemongrass was used as a wound healing agent.

Contraindications

The list of Schisandra contraindications is not long, but they should be carefully considered. With a strong overexcitation, it is not recommended to use berries, as they help to tone the nervous system. It is forbidden to use lemongrass in any form if a person has chronic diseases, including the cardiovascular system. Berries cannot help with insomnia or epilepsy. On the contrary, the substances in them can only harm the body. Fruits are contraindicated for pregnant women, as well as nursing mothers. Lemongrass contains a fairly large amount of allergens, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before including it in the diet.

Growing

Lemongrass is a rather finicky plant to plant. He needs a place that is warm and protected from frosty winds. Small buildings work well as shelters. Shrubs should be shaded for several hours every day - too much light is harmful to them. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend planting along fences. If you live in central Russia, then the best time of the year for planting lemongrass will be spring - approximately the end of April. October is best suited for the southern strip.

Plant 3 plants at a time, keeping a distance of 1 meter. If you intend to grow lemongrass at home, be sure to step back one and a half meters from the wall. This will not only give freedom to the roots, but also protect the plant from the ingress of moisture flowing from the roof. The depth of each hole for seedlings should be approximately 40 centimeters and half a meter in diameter. Since lemongrass needs drainage, you will need to lay out a layer of expanded clay, broken bricks and rubble. It is recommended not to exceed the layer thickness by more than 10 centimeters. As a fertilizer, a mixture of compost, humus and 200 grams of superphosphate is prepared.

In addition, you will need about half a kilogram of ash. All this mixture is mixed and brought into the hole. Best of all, those seedlings that have already reached 3 years old take root. Their developed root system allows them to take root in the soil as firmly as possible, while during planting the root collar should not be deepened into the ground too deeply. Maintain a level at which it will be level with the ground. Remember about regular watering and applying additional fertilizers, namely humus or peat.

Care

Care includes several activities, including fertilizing, watering, installing supports, pruning and preparing for the onset of cold weather. The plant needs to be fed from the third year of its life cycle. It needs to be provided with food starting in April. Saltpeter in the amount of 25 grams is suitable as a top dressing with the obligatory addition of humus or compost. When the summer months come, lemongrass is given a special liquid, which is chicken manure mixed with mullein. The proportions should be 1:10 for mullein and 1:20 for litter.

At the onset of autumn, lemongrass should be given superphosphate in the amount of 20 grams, wood ash (100 grams), and the components must be applied to a depth of about 10 centimeters. Creepers also need to be fed. For them, it is necessary to prepare nitrophoska in an amount of up to 50 grams per square meter. As soon as the flowers appear, you need to add bird droppings - for each plant, 1 bucket.

In autumn, vines are given about 60 grams of superphosphate and potassium sulfate no more than 40 grams and no less than 30. The plant needs compost once every 2 years. The mixture should be applied in the amount of 5 kilograms per square meter, approximately 7 centimeters deep.

Lemongrass should be watered when it gets hot. It is better to limit yourself to spraying with water at room temperature, because this is the moisture that lemongrass receives in China. For vines, watering is also carried out in hot weather. For one plant, approximately 30 liters will be required, after which mulching is carried out.

A trellis is used as a support. If you exclude the use of supports, it is likely that the plant will not produce a berry crop. The trellises are installed in the same year that the planting was made. As an alternative, you can make a garter with a peg, and install the main support in the spring after a year. The height of the support should be approximately 2 and a half meters, they are buried 50 centimeters deep and observe intervals of 3 meters. A wire is wound on each column - at first half a meter recedes, then one meter each.

Schisandra pruning

Schisandra pruning is carried out after 2 years from the date of planting. It is enough to leave a maximum of 6 shoots, cut the rest so that the cut remains at the level of the soil. Experienced farmers recommend pruning the plant in the fall, when leaf fall ends. In spring and winter, the vines do not need to be cut, because in the future the vine will cry, which threatens with dehydration. The emerging growth of roots can be removed in the spring, and it is worth doing this every year.

Sanitary pruning involves the removal of dried, broken and other branches that interfere with the crown. As you can see, caring for a plant is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. At the same time, it is very easy to prepare it for winter. It is enough to cover lemongrass with leaves, and put spruce branches on top, which will scare away pests. The layer of leaves should be no more than 15 centimeters thick, but the vine does not need shelter, since it is not afraid of frost.

Lemongrass officinalis

If you want to grow lemongrass specifically for the preparation of medicinal infusions, then you will need to use a special planting technique. It looks like this:

It is necessary to prepare 3 beds for seedlings.
After a year the plants are cut from the first bed.
After the second year, they move on to the second, and after another year, to the third. As a result, in three years, the first plants will sprout on the first bed.
All the greens that we managed to collect should be spread on thick paper and dried for several days.
After the mass is removed in paper bags and stored until the onset of cold weather.

The leaves can be used to make a tea that will help to restore the body after hard mental and physical labor.

Why lemongrass does not bear fruit

The plant, as we have already noted, is rather capricious. There are several reasons why lemongrass does not bear fruit:

Too dense shade interferes with the development of vines;
A large amount of growth prevents the plant from gaining height. As a result, it remains stunted and produces few fruits. That's why you need to trim the shrub regularly;
Very often the problem is lack of pollination. Schisandra is pollinated by pollen bugs. Sometimes they are unable to cope with the task, especially when the cold season comes or it often starts to rain.

Interesting facts

Lemongrass is often used for decorative purposes. It makes excellent hedges that can decorate a gazebo.
Due to the fact that creepers form a dense layer of leaves, lemongrass is often used as a natural barrier to frosty winds.
The fruits combine a whole kaleidoscope of flavors. Gourmets distinguish not only sour and sweet, but also balsamic flavors.
The berry is used in cooking to prepare sauces for various dishes.
In China, a decoction of lemongrass has long been used to relieve headaches.

We have examined in detail the features of lemongrass, having learned a lot of interesting things about it. First of all, the plant is medicinal, playing the role of a powerful tonic. At the same time, it can become an interesting decor element for your house adjoining area. And despite the fact that lemongrass is quite difficult to plant and grow, the benefits of its fruits will more than pay for all the efforts.

In this video, an experienced gardener talks about the use of lemongrass.

photo, cultivation, planting, care in the open field, varieties

Schizandra berries are a real storehouse of vitamins. In addition, they have a tonic property - I ate a few pieces and I was invigorated all day! For example, in Primorye, Nanai hunters take dried lemongrass fruits with them to the taiga to maintain strength. They also make delicious jams and jelly.

But not only berries are tasty and healthy. Leaves and bark can be brewed like a tea - it is obtained with a lemon flavor. In Korea, for example, it is one of the most popular drinks.

And finally, this is a very beautiful plant. In nature, the liana can reach 15 m in height (1). But in gardens, it is usually more modest - up to 4 m. It has beautiful glossy leaves and an unusual yellowish bark. Lemongrass flowers are quite large, up to 1.5 cm in diameter. At first they are white, but by the end of flowering they turn pink. They look very unusual - they resemble magnolia flowers in shape and seem to be molded from wax. They bloom in May and immediately attract bees - lemongrass is an excellent honey plant (2). And the flowers are very fragrant! However, not only flowers smell of lemongrass - leaves and bark emit a pleasant lemon aroma (1). Hence, by the way, the name of the plant.

In autumn, the creeper looks even more spectacular - its leaves turn yellow, and red clusters of berries hang on the shoots. Moreover, the clusters are impressive, up to 10 cm long. The crop ripens in September. Up to 4 kg of berries can be harvested from one creeper, but abundant harvests are not every year (3). Their taste is very unusual. The Chinese, for example, call lemongrass “wu-wei-chi”, which means “fruit with five tastes”. And this is true: the skin of lemongrass is sour, the pulp is sweet, the seeds are bitter and knit, and if you chew the whole berry, you get a spicy, bitter-burning and at the same time salty taste.

Growing Schisandra chinensis

Since Schizandra is a liana and grows wild in forests, it has special requirements for lighting - when the plants are young, they should be in the shade, but adults need plenty of light. Actually, this is what happens in nature - young lemongrass grow under the canopy of trees, and then climb up and enjoy the sun.

By the way, this creeper always winds in one direction - clockwise.

Schisandra chinensis varieties

Schisandra has been cultivated in China since ancient times, but in Russia it grew mainly in botanical gardens. However, in recent years, seedlings have begun to appear on sale, so you can safely go to the garden center - believe me, this plant will become your favorite.

By the way, in recent years, breeders have also tried - at the moment, 4 varieties of Schisandra chinensis are included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements (4).

Volgar. This is a vigorous monoecious liana - both male and female flowers bloom on the same plant. He has fruit brushes weighing up to 7 g, each with 14-15 berries. They ripen late. The taste is sour, with a resinous aroma. The variety is very winter-hardy, resistant to drought, diseases and pests.

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Debut. This variety also has male and female flowers on the same plant. Its fruit brushes are very large, weighing up to 18 g, each with 25-30 berries. The taste of the fruit is sour, with a balsamic aroma. The variety is mid-season. It is frost-resistant, it is not affected by diseases and pests, but it does not really like heat and drought.

Myth. Vigorous climber with flowers of both sexes on the same plant. Fruit brushes weighing up to 7 g, each - 14 - 15 berries. They are sour, with a resinous smell. The variety is mid-season. Winter hardiness is high, resistance to drought, heat, diseases and pests too.

Firstborn. The oldest variety, among the existing ones, it has been in the State Register since 1999. The plant is medium. Fruit clusters weighing about 6 g. The berries are sour, with an illuminating aroma. Diseases and pests are not affected.

Planting Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra saplings are sold in containers, so they can be planted from mid-April to mid-October.

In fertile soil, you do not need to dig a large hole for the plant - it should be slightly larger than the size of the container. If the ground is bad, a hole must be dug with a diameter of 50 cm, a depth of 60 cm and filled with fertile soil - a mixture of soddy soil, humus (or compost) and sand in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. It is also useful to add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of superphosphate and potassium sulfate. Drainage should be laid at the bottom, for example, a broken red brick with a layer of 10 cm - this is to protect the roots from stagnant water and rotting.

When planting, the root neck of the seedling should be deepened by about 5 cm so that it can grow additional roots.

If there are many plants, the distance between them should be:

in a row - 65 cm;
between rows - 1.5 m (1).

Care of Schisandra chinensis outdoors

Schisandra chinensis is an unpretentious vine, but the main requirements must still be taken into account.

Watering. In the homeland of lemongrass, the climate is quite humid, so in arid regions it needs to be watered often - once a week, 2 buckets of water per bush. This is especially important in the first 3 years - at this time, the root system of lemongrass is still poorly developed and is located in the upper soil layer, and it dries up very quickly.

In regions with a humid climate, such as in the northern regions, lemongrass can grow without watering.

Top dressing. Lemongrass grows a very large mass, so its top dressing is necessary. During the season, it must be fertilized 2 times (the norm is indicated for 1 plant):

early in the spring, when the leaves begin to bloom - 3 tbsp. tablespoons of urea per 10 liters of water;
after harvest - 1.5 tbsp. spoons of double superphosphate and potassium sulfate.

No fertilizing is needed during the summer, but the soil should be mulched with humus or compost with a layer of 10 cm - this will protect it from drying out, plus, during the summer, organic matter will give nutrients to the plant.

Garter. You need to grow lemongrass on a support 2 m high. The easiest option is 2 strong wooden poles, between which several crossbeams are horizontally nailed at a distance of 30 cm from each other. As the shoots of lemongrass grow, you need to tie them up and direct them horizontally. If you let the vine grow vertically, it will increase the green mass to the detriment of the crop.

Cutting. Lemongrass does not need formative pruning, but it is necessary to cut out dried twigs and extra shoots annually if they thicken the crown. Pruning can only be done in the fall, after the vine has shed its leaves.

Harvest Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra berries are harvested in the same way as grapes - whole clusters are cut off.

It is better to put them in wicker baskets or wooden boxes and no more than two layers of berries. But it is better in general in one, because the fruits are very tender, easily wrinkled. It is impossible to collect lemongrass in metal dishes - the berries in it oxidize very quickly.

Schisandra chinensis storage rules

Unfortunately, Schizandra berries are not stored - they can lie for a maximum of a day, then they begin to deteriorate. Therefore, it must be processed immediately after harvest.

The best way to preserve lemongrass is to dry it. At first they are kept in the sun, and when they dry up, they are brought in the oven.

The second option is to grind the berries with sugar. In this form, they can be stored in the refrigerator.