Growing lemongrass is super easy. Once the plants are established, it will propagate itself, new plants will start growing by the side of existing stalks. Lemongrass will grow into a hefty shrub in about 4-6 months and ready for harvest.
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.
HOW TO GROW LEMONGRASS
In its native habitat, lemongrass grows in full sun, even in hot climates. At least six hours of direct sun per day will meet the plants’ energy needs. Plants growing in shade will be sparse and may attract pests.
Lemongrass plants prefer rich, loamy soil. You can create this ideal soil by adding several different soil amendments: compost, manure, and leaf mold are all enriching additives that you can add at planting time.
Unlike some ornamental grasses, lemongrass is not a drought-tolerant plant. Keep the roots constantly moist for best plant health. A 3-inch layer of mulch can help conserve soil moisture and will enrich the soil as it breaks down.
As tropical plants, lemongrass thrives in hot, steamy climates. The time for growing lemongrass outdoors is similar to the timing for tomato planting: when night temperatures are in the 60s, it’s time to plant. Lemongrass is very frost sensitive, so if you plan to overwinter the plant indoors, bring it inside before temperatures get into the 40s.
How to plant lemongrass?
Plant lemongrass in a large pot that is at least 12 inches across, or uses a 5-gallon bucket. Be sure to use a premium quality potting soil, 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.
Notes: In late summer, dig away an outer stalk, cut back the leaves to 3 inches (8 cm), and plant it in a small container. Grow it through winter in a sunny windowsill, providing only small amounts of water, and replant outdoors the following spring.
Pruning
Lemongrass plants that live for more than one season benefit from an annual haircut to tidy up plants and remove dead foliage. Shear your plants to about 6 inches high at the end of winter, when plants are in their resting phase. Lemongrass plants will rebound quickly and send up new shoots when warm weather returns.
How to harvest lemongrass?
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 stockpot, then simmered to infuse lemon flavor into the brew.
How to storage lemongrass?
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.
Troubleshooting
Plants may rot in poorly drained clay soil. When lemongrass is grown in containers, shift the plants to larger pots as needed. When the roots become crowded, they can cause clay pots to crack.