Lemongrass, known scientifically as Cymbopogon, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family. Characterized by its strong citrus flavour and aroma, lemongrass is a tall, stalky plant. It has a fresh, lemony aroma and a citrus flavour, which is why it's a common ingredient in teas, soups, and curries. Lemongrass is particularly prevalent in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisine, where it is appreciated not only for its culinary uses but also for its beneficial health properties.

This plant grows in dense clumps that can reach up to six feet in height and four feet in width. The leaves are bright green, long, and slender, tapering to a point. In terms of cultivation, lemongrass prefers full sunlight and well-draining soil, thriving in warm and humid climates. It is relatively easy to grow in a garden or indoors in pots, provided it gets enough light.

Beyond its culinary uses, lemongrass is also valued for its medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive issues, reduce fever, and as a diuretic. Modern studies suggest that lemongrass contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, its essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress, anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

Lemongrass serves not only as a versatile culinary herb but also plays a significant role in traditional and complementary medicine, showcasing a unique combination of flavourful and therapeutic benefits. Its cultivation and use span across various cultures and continents, making it a globally recognized and valued plant.

How To Grow

Growing lemongrass is a rewarding endeavour for any gardener interested in adding this fragrant and versatile herb to their garden. Whether you're looking to cultivate lemongrass for culinary uses, medicinal purposes, or simply for its aesthetic appeal, here's how to grow lemongrass successfully:

1. Choosing Your Planting Method Lemongrass can be started from seed, purchased as a plant, or propagated from stalks: From Seeds: Start seeds indoors in late winter, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds in a seed starting mix, lightly covering them with soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. From Plants: Purchased lemongrass plants can be transplanted into your garden or into pots after the danger of frost has passed. From Stalks: You can also propagate lemongrass from fresh stalks. Place the base of the stalks in a glass of water and wait for roots to develop. Once they're about an inch long, plant them in soil.

2. Selecting a Site Choose a sunny spot for your lemongrass, as it thrives in full sun and warm conditions. The plant prefers well-draining soil. If you're planting in pots, ensure they have adequate drainage holes.

3. Planting In the Garden: Space lemongrass plants or stalks about 24 inches apart in rows that are 36 inches apart. Dig holes just deep enough for the roots to be covered with soil. In Pots: Select a large pot and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the lemongrass in the centre of the pot, ensuring the root ball is just below the soil surface.

4. Caring for Lemongrass Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lemongrass requires more water in hot, dry conditions. Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to support robust growth. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How/When To Harvesting

Here's how to harvest lemongrass effectively:

1. Wait for the Right Time Lemongrass is ready to be harvested when the stalks are about 12 inches tall and half an inch thick. The plant typically reaches this stage about 4 to 6 months after planting. It's important to wait until the stalks are mature enough, as they'll have developed the potent lemony fragrance and flavour lemongrass is known for.

2. Choose the Stalks to Harvest Look for stalks that are firm and green. Avoid harvesting stalks that are too thin or that haven't fully matured, as they won't have developed their full flavour.

3. Cut the Stalks Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the stalk you want to harvest as close to the ground as possible. This encourages new growth from the base of the plant, allowing you to harvest from it again in the future.

4. Trim the Leaves Once you've cut the stalk, trim off the green leafy top and any roots. The green leaves can be tough and are generally not used in cooking, but they can be saved for making tea or broth. You'll be left with the white and light green portion of the stalk, which is the part most commonly used in recipes.

5. Prepare for Storage or Use If you're not using the lemongrass immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for several weeks. Wrap the stalks in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer. For longer storage, lemongrass freezes well. You can either freeze whole stalks or finely chop the lemongrass and freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use in cooking.

6. Regrow If you've harvested lemongrass by cutting the stalks close to the root, the plant will continue to produce new stalks. This regrowth allows for multiple harvests from the same plant throughout the growing season. Harvesting lemongrass regularly encourages the plant to produce new growth, ensuring a continuous supply of this versatile herb. Whether you're using it to flavour dishes, brew teas, or for its aromatic properties, fresh lemongrass is a delightful addition to your home garden's bounty.