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Enjoy this herb any time of the year
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Purchase and prepare the stalks Look for fresh stalks with a bulbous base, preferably with traces of roots. As soon as you bring them home from the store, snip off all but a few inches of the leaves. Peel away the dead, outer layer. Begin root development Your lemongrass stalks will need to develop roots. Place stalks in a water glass with enough water to cover the bulbous end of the stalk. Place the glass containing the lemongrass stalks in a sunny area, such as a window sill. Be sure to keep adequate water in the glass. After several weeks, tiny roots should appear. Prepare the soil Lemongrass thrives in well-drained, fertile soil, and will tolerate a wide range of pH levels. If needed, add ½ inch layer of compost and turn it over with a spade into the top 4 inches of soil. Transplant When the roots reach 1-2 inches in length, you may transplant your lemongrass. Do this on a cool day or in late afternoon, after the last frost date. Lemongrass prefers full sun, but will grow in partial shade. Use a trowel to dig a hole deep enough to cover the bulbous end and roots. Space the plants 2 to 4 feet apart. Water thoroughly. Water regularly Lemongrass plants prefer moist, but not soaked, soil. Water as soon as the top ½ inch layer of soil feels dry. Divide In spring or early summer, divide established plants. To prevent water loss, snip off leaves until 3 or 4 inches remain. Dig out entire lemongrass clump and divide root mass. Replant divisions at same depth as original plant. Harvest Wear garden gloves to protect your hands from the razor-sharp leaves. After lemongrass leaves have grown to 1 foot tall, harvest any time by pulling off the older, outer leaves. Cut off small pieces of the leaves for use in tea. On the subject of lemongrass
by Becca Badgett
Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a versatile herb, source of aroma, mosquito repellent and garden ornamental. A member of the grass family (Gramineae), lemongrass may function as part of an herb, scent or container garden, or as... More>
by Francis Jock
Lemongrass is a tall perennial grass that has a citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. Since it is a hardy plant of tropical origins, it will grow well in garden containers. It is widely used as a herb in Asian cuisine, and is c... More>
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Things Needed Fresh lemongrass stalks Tall water glass or jar Water Spade Trowel Well-drained garden soil Compost Gardening gloves Tips & Warnings  North of Zone 9, grow in a container and overwinter indoors. Lemongrass leaves are razor-sharp; wear gloves when handling them. Lemon grass is virtually pest-free, but cats will dig it up. Use fresh or dried cut-up leaves in cooking, fresh or dried leaves for teas, and dried leaves for potpourri and sachets.
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How-To Guide Rating: 100
