Tips On How To Grow Lemongrass At Home

Lemongrass, a tall, perennial plant, is known for its fresh, lemony fragrance, health benefits and incorporation in dishes. Lemongrass is originally from Southeast Asia, and it is a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines, adding a citrusy flavour to dishes like soup, curries, and teas. 

Choose the right location and container 

Lemongrass grows well in warm, sunny environments, making it essential to select the right location for planting. Ideally, it should be placed in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you are planting lemongrass indoors, make sure it is near a south-facing window where it can soak up ample sunlight. For outdoor planting, choose a well-drained area in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight. Lemongrass can tolerate partial shade but will grow best and produce more robust stalks in full sun.

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Prepare the Soil

Lemongrass prefers rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Before planting, enrich the garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its nutrient content and improve drainage. If you are growing lemongrass in pots, use a high-quality potting mix that contains organic matter. Adding a layer of gravel or sand at the bottom of the pot can help with drainage, preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged. Regularly check the soil moisture level; lemongrass prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions.

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Start from Stalks or Seeds

Lemongrass can be grown from seeds, but starting from stalks is often quicker and easier. You can purchase fresh lemongrass stalks from a grocery store or farmers' market. Choose healthy-looking stalks with a firm base and green tops. Here is how to grow lemongrass from stalks:

• Select the stalks: Ensure the stalks have a few inches of the base intact.
• Prepare the stalks: Trim the tops of the stalks and remove any dry outer leaves.
• Root in water: Place the stalks in a glass of water, ensuring the base is submerged. Change the water every few days.
• Wait for roots: Within two to three weeks, roots will begin to form at the base of the stalks.
• Plant in soil: Once the roots are about an inch long, transplant the stalks into the soil, burying the rooted end about an inch deep.

Also Read: Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe

Water and Fertilise Regularly

Lemongrass requires consistent moisture to grow well, especially during the initial stages. Water your lemongrass regularly, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. In hot weather, you may need to water more frequently. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

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Fertilise your lemongrass every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser or a slow-release granular fertiliser. This will provide the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth. Organic fertilisers, such as compost tea or fish emulsion, can also be beneficial. Avoid over-fertilising, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush foliage with fewer aromatic oils.

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Harvest and Maintain Your Plant

Once your lemongrass plants are established and have grown to a height of about 12 inches, you can begin harvesting. To harvest, cut the stalks close to the base, just above the soil level. The tender inner stalks are the most flavourful and are commonly used in cooking. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and helps keep the plant manageable.

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For continuous harvest, cut the outer stalks first, allowing the inner stalks to mature. In colder climates, lemongrass can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter months. If growing indoors, provide adequate light and reduce watering to prevent root rot.

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Growing lemongrass at home is a gratifying experience that offers both culinary and health benefits. You have a fresh supply of this aromatic herb for your favourite dishes, but you will also enjoy the added benefits of its natural insect-repelling properties and its contribution to a healthy lifestyle.