Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a versatile and popular herb used in various dishes, teas, soups, and sauces. Known for its citrusy fragrance and distinct flavour, it’s a favourite in cooking and herbal remedies. This herb is easy to grow and care for, making it an excellent choice for home gardens. Whether you grow it indoors or outdoors, lemongrass can provide a fresh supply of juicy stalks year-round, ensuring you always have this cooking substitute.
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The entire plant can be harvested when growing lemongrass, but most people focus on the stalk and foliage. These parts are rich in aroma and nutrients, perfect for enhancing the flavour of your teas or prepared dishes. Picking and harvesting lemongrass is a simple process and can be done anytime as the plant continuously regenerates. To get the most out of your lemongrass, using the best technique for harvesting is key. It’s also essential to care for the plant by trimming dry, fibrous leaves and propagating new stalks to keep it thriving.
Lemongrass smells amazing, with a refreshing scent similar to walking by a citrus plant, and it’s also practical. Harvesting a small portion is easy without harming the rest of the plant. Whether expanding your herb garden or looking for ideas on using lemongrass in your kitchen, this guide offers helpful tips for propagating and maintaining this versatile plant.
How to Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a hardy perennial herb that forms clumps, expanding over time and providing fresh stalks for recipes year after year. You can grow it from a small piece from a friend’s garden, a local garden meetup, or even store-bought lemongrass. Look for stalks with the woody end intact when shopping at the grocery store, as these are often root-able. Place the bottom section in water to encourage roots to grow, then transfer it to soil for better success. Like green onions, lemongrass can be propagated from scraps with minimal effort.
Plant lemongrass in a large pot or a sunny outdoor spot with well-drained soil for a strong start. The herb thrives in bright areas and requires plenty of light to remain healthy. If you choose container gardening, ensure the pot is large enough to support the plant’s clumping growth, which can provide fresh stalks for several years. This setup works well if you need a few stalks for cooking while keeping the plant productive. Regular watering and enough space for growth are essential to help your lemongrass thrive.
Propagating lemongrass is simple and can be done with store-bought stalks or grocery store scraps. Snap off a bottom section with the roots intact, plant it in soil or water and watch it grow. Within weeks, you’ll have a vibrant new lemongrass plant ready to enhance your garden or windowsill, offering a fresh and consistent supply for all your culinary needs.
Lemongrass Soil & Water Requirements
Lemongrass grows well in various soils but thrives best in rich, loamy soil with good drainage. If the soil is clay-heavy, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality. While lemongrass tolerates poor soils, its overall growth and flavour can suffer if the soil lacks nutrients. Use a lighter potting mix to ensure proper aeration and drainage for those planting in pots. When planting in the ground, ensure the planting hole drains efficiently to avoid water sitting around the roots.
Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged is key to successful growth. Overwatering can lead to rot, especially if the plant is left where water sits for long periods. Regular watering is essential, but always check the topsoil to ensure it isn’t overly saturated. Whether planting in the ground or a pot, maintaining a balance of moisture and proper drainage will help your lemongrass stay healthy and productive.
Growing Lemongrass in containers
Lemongrass thrives when grown in a container, especially in regions with colder winter temperatures or areas that experience super hot summers with triple-digit heat. Growing in a pot allows you to move the plant to areas with optimal sun exposure, from partial to full sun, depending on the season. Containers can also protect the plant from temperature swings and keep it dormant during winter as long as it is pruned to remove unruly leaves. This mobility helps lemongrass adapt to varying conditions, ensuring its thick stalks remain healthy and flavorful.
Balancing the soil, sun, and water levels for the best results. Use rich soil with compost and ensure the container has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Regularly observe the plant—if the stalks appear skinny, try increasing sun exposure or adjusting moisture levels to help them plump up. During summer, a light fertilizer can promote lush, green foliage while maintaining consistent watering, ensuring the plant doesn’t dry out.
Container-grown lemongrass tolerates poor garden conditions and is convenient because it is near your kitchen for easy harvesting. Adjusting the growing conditions as needed will yield the best lemongrass, full of flavour and ready to enhance your recipes.
Cultivating Lemongrass in the Garden
Ideal Conditions for Lemongrass
Lemongrass thrives as a tropical plant, preferring warm temperatures and moist soil to flourish. It grows best in warmer areas of the yard where it can enjoy consistent warmth. In regions with freezing temperatures or frost, lemongrass will go dormant during winter or may need to be moved indoors to survive. If temperatures drop below 32 degrees, planting in a container is a great option, allowing you to relocate the plant when necessary. This versatile culinary herb enhances many dishes, including Thai curry paste, Vietnamese meat marinades, and soothing lemongrass tea.
Managing Growth and Overcrowding
As a bunching grass, lemongrass naturally spreads over time, making it essential to manage its growth. If left un harvested for two years, the plant may become overcrowded, reducing productivity. Regular harvests not only provide fresh stalks for your flavorful dishes but also help maintain healthy plant development.
Winter Maintenance and Safety
During winter maintenance, trim the sharp blades of lemongrass leaves to prevent them from causing paper cuts or irritating the skin. Always wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid these minor injuries. You can enjoy its vibrant growth and culinary benefits all year by ensuring consistent care and giving lemongrass the right conditions.
Overwintering lemongrass
If you live in a region where freezing temperatures or the first hard frost occurs, you can overwinter lemongrass indoors. To do this, harvest the leaves and stalks before the cold hits, cutting them down to a few inches high. Place the lemongrass in pots and bring them inside, ideally to a south-facing window where the plant can still receive warmth and light. Ensure the soil stays slightly moist, but be careful not to overwater, as this can damage the plant during winter.
Transplanting the lemongrass into a pot allows you to save the plant through the cold season and replant it outdoors in the spring when the temperatures warm up. During winter, if it doesn’t get enough light indoors, keep the plant in a cool, dry area like a garage. With the proper care, your lemongrass will thrive again when the weather warms up, ensuring a fresh supply of this aromatic herb year after year.
Propagating Lemongrass
To propagate lemongrass, you can use stems from the plant or divide the clump of established plants. A straightforward way is to cut the base of the lemongrass stalks, ideally from a plant already growing well. After cutting, place the stems in a glass of water and let them sit in a sunny window. The small roots will start to form in a few days, and once they have a solid root system, you can transfer them to a pot with potting soil.
If you prefer, you can also expand your lemongrass by dividing the plant itself. When the plant gets crowded, use a sharp shovel or knife to hack the central clump into smaller clumps. Each section should have its roots. After dividing, let the lemongrass recover by replanting it in fresh soil. This method works well when the weather warms up, ensuring the plant can grow well before the first frost or freezing temperatures arrive. Both methods will help you propagate lemongrass successfully and enjoy a healthy cooking supply.
When to Harvest Lemongrass
The best time to harvest lemongrass is during the growing season when the stalks are at least ½ inch thick. This is when the plant’s flavour and aroma are most intense, particularly toward the end of summer when lemongrass oils peak. To use the edible part of the stalk, focus on the bottom, where it is most tender. This section can be sliced or crushed to add a delightful lemony flavour to dishes, teas, and soups. Cold weather can reduce the plant’s flavour intensity, so it’s best to harvest before the first fall frost in frost-prone areas.
For warm climates like USDA Zone 8 or frost-free areas, lemongrass can grow outdoors through winter, allowing for continuous harvests. However, if you live in a chilly environment, you should cut the plants back and bring them indoors in a pot to overwinter. Keep the plant in a warm spot until spring, when it can be moved back outside to encourage new stalks to grow. Regular harvesting during the growing season helps stimulate new growth and keeps the plant healthy and productive.
In regions with winter dormancy, the plant starts fresh in springtime, producing new, flavorful stalks as the weather warms. Whether you’re a warm-climate gardener or someone managing frost-prone conditions, proper timing and care ensure that your lemongrass remains a reliable source of aromatic and tender stalks for cooking and other uses.
How to Harvest Lemongrass
Harvesting lemongrass is simple and can be done throughout the growing season. The best time to harvest is when the stalks reach ¼ to ½ inch (6 mm to 1 cm) thick. To harvest, snap or cut the bottom part of the stalk near the ground level. If the stalks are older, cut them just above the woody portions. You can twist or pull the stalks gently to avoid damaging the roots or other stalks. Harvesting regularly ensures fresh and edible stalks for cooking and can also encourage new growth.
For cooler regions, lemongrass may need to be brought indoors before the first frost. With proper care, indoor plants can provide fresh lemongrass year-round. If you want to store extra stalks, you can freeze them for up to six months. Lemongrass is perfect for adding flavour to teas and soups, making it a tasty and interesting herb to keep on hand for various cooking recipes.
How to Use Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a fragrant herb widely used in culinary dishes, and teas and for its therapeutic benefits. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use lemongrass in different ways:
1-Culinary Uses
Lemongrass imparts a bright, citrusy flavor and aroma to food, making it a popular ingredient in Asian cuisines, particularly Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes.
Fresh Lemongrass in Cooking
Preparation: To use fresh lemongrass, cut the stalk into 3–4 inch pieces. Smash or bruise the stalks with a heavy knife or mallet to release the aromatic oils before adding them to dishes. You can also peel off the tough outer leaves and slice the softer inner part thinly for use in soups, stews, or curries.
In Soups/Stews: Add bruised or chopped lemongrass to simmering soups and stews to infuse the broth with its citrusy essence. Common dishes include Tom Yum soup or coconut milk-based curries.
Grilled or Roasted: Lemongrass can be finely chopped and mixed with marinade or used as skewers for grilling meats, seafood, or vegetables.
In Stir-Fries: Add chopped lemongrass to stir-fry dishes for a fresh, citrusy punch. It pairs well with garlic, ginger, and chilies.
Lemongrass in Tea
Infusion Method: To make lemongrass tea, chop fresh lemongrass stalks into small pieces, place them in a pot with water, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes, then strain the liquid and serve.
Flavor Variations: For added flavor, you can combine lemongrass with other herbs such as ginger, mint, or lemon balm.
Cold Brew: You can also steep lemongrass in cold water for several hours in the fridge for a refreshing iced tea.
2-Drying and Storing Lemongrass
If you want to store lemongrass for later use, drying it is a great option. Here’s how to dry lemongrass:
Drying: Tie bundles of lemongrass stalks together and hang them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Alternatively, you can dry the stalks in a dehydrator or an oven set at low heat. Once dried, grind or crush the dried leaves and store them in an airtight container.
Storage: Dried lemongrass can be stored in a cool, dark place for several months and used in teas, soups, and curries.
3-Lemongrass Oil Uses
Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the leaves and stalks of the plant. It’s known for its refreshing citrus scent and is often used in aromatherapy and natural cleaning products.
Aromatherapy
Relaxation: Use a diffuser with lemongrass essential oil to create a relaxing atmosphere. It’s thought to help reduce stress, anxiety and promote mental clarity.
Inhalation: You can also inhale the oil directly by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam. This can help relieve respiratory issues.
Topical Use
Skin Care: Lemongrass oil is commonly used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can be diluted in a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) and applied topically for issues like acne or body odor. Make sure to do a patch test first to avoid irritation.
Massage: When diluted, lemongrass oil is a popular choice for massages to relieve muscle pain and tension.
4-Lemongrass for Natural Repellent
Lemongrass is a natural insect repellent due to its high citronella content, making it useful for outdoor and home use.
Insect Repellent Spray: To make a natural bug spray, steep lemongrass leaves in boiling water, then strain and add witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Store in a spray bottle and apply directly to your skin to repel mosquitoes.
Gardening Use: Plant lemongrass around your garden or patio to naturally deter pests like mosquitoes.
5-Medicinal Uses
Lemongrass has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits in traditional medicine.
Digestive Aid: Drinking lemongrass tea is thought to promote healthy digestion, relieve bloating, and reduce indigestion.
Antioxidant Benefits: Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants and can be included in your diet for its potential to reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Anti-Anxiety: Lemongrass tea may also have calming properties, helping to relieve stress and anxiety.
6-Cosmetic Uses
Due to its refreshing scent and antibacterial properties, Lemongrass is found in many homemade skincare products, like soaps, lotions, and facial toners.
Facial Toner: Use a diluted lemongrass infusion as a facial toner to refresh and cleanse your skin. It can help tighten pores and give your skin a healthy glow.
Hair Care: Lemongrass oil is often added to shampoos and conditioners for its ability to improve scalp health and promote hair growth.
7-Crafts and Decoration
Lemongrass can also be used for crafting and decoration.
Flower Arrangements: The long, slender stalks of lemongrass make for a beautiful addition to floral arrangements, adding both texture and a subtle fragrance.
Homemade Sachets: Dried lemongrass can be used in sachets or potpourri to freshen up spaces like closets or bathrooms with its light, citrus aroma.
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Final Observations
Lemongrass is an excellent herb enjoyed in many dishes and drinks yearly. Growing and harvesting lemongrass is straightforward, and with the right care, it can continuously provide you with fresh, flavorful stalks. Whether you are harvesting for cooking or propagating new plants, maintaining healthy lemongrass requires regular attention to its water, sunlight, and soil needs. By following the proper harvesting and care techniques, lemongrass can thrive in your garden or indoors, offering fresh stalks for your favourite recipes year after year.
FAQs
Q- How do you know when lemongrass is ready to pick?
Lemongrass is ready to pick when the stalks are at least 1/2 inch thick and have a strong, lemony aroma—harvesting toward the end of the growing season before the first frost is best.
Q- How do you harvest lemongrass at home?
To harvest lemongrass, simply cut the stalks near the base, leaving about 1 inch above the ground. Use a sharp knife or shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Q- Which part of lemongrass do you use?
The bottom portion of the stalk is tender and flavorful, and it is used in cooking and teas. The upper leaves, on the other hand, are usually discarded because they are tough and fibrous.
Q- Does lemongrass grow after cutting?
Yes, lemongrass grows back after cutting. New stalks will sprout from the base if the plant is healthy and well-maintained.
Q- Is lemongrass safe for dogs and cats?
Lemongrass is safe for dogs and cats in small amounts. However, large amounts may cause digestive issues, so it is best to keep it out of reach.
Q- How much lemongrass is needed to make tea?
For one cup of lemongrass tea, use about 1 to 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, cut into small pieces and steeped in hot water for a few minutes.
Q- How do you dry lemongrass leaves?
To dry lemongrass leaves, hang them in a well-ventilated area or place them on a tray in a warm, dry spot. Once the leaves are dry, store them in an airtight container.
