Lemongrass is not only an aromatic addition to food and drinks, but also a beautiful garden or balcony decoration. In addition, this plant, as well as the oil obtained from it, can have a beneficial effect on our he alth. What is lemongrass? How to grow it and can it be grown in a pot? Read on and find out about the properties of lemongrass.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is also called citronella or lemongrass.The lemongrass oil obtained from it is extremely aromatic and refreshing. It is a frequent ingredient in cosmetics such as deodorants or bath s alt. In addition, its intense smell is very effective in repelling mosquitoes. The plant itself is also becoming more and more popular with us and available as a spice. Tall, sprawling clumps and a pleasant lemon scent are the features that distinguish lemongrass. The properties and taste of this ornamental plant make it worth being interested in growing it in your own garden or in a pot on the balcony.
Lemongrass: description
Lemongrass is a tropical plant belonging to the family of grasses. It comes from South-East Asia, it is also found in the Mediterranean countries and in Africa. It grows in lush clumps and reaches a height of 80 to 150 cm in crops. Wild-growing lemongrass can be up to 3 meters long. It looks like ornamental grasses and can only be grown for aesthetic reasons.It fits perfectly with minimalistic, oriental-style terraces. Its stalks are thick and have characteristic sharp edges. Citronella blooms with red-green flowers, resembling spikes.
The edible part is the white tubers, in which the most flavor is hidden, and the light greenish base of the leaves, up to a height of about 20 cm. The stalk of lemongrass is mainly known as an aromatic spice in oriental cuisine. It is especially often found among the ingredients of Thai dishes. The most famous dishes with lemongrass include Thai spicy-sour Tom-Yum soup, chicken with lemongrass and coconut milk, and curry, very popular in Thailand.
Lemongrass, as the name suggests, has a lemon flavor, but is much milder than lemon and is not sour at all. Its aroma is enriched with a light, spicy - ginger note. It can be added to dishes fresh (the stalk should be crushed until it releases juice), dried, frozen or pickled.It is also available as a paste sold in jars. By itself, lemongrass can be hard and fibrous, so you either need to crush it very finely or take it out after cooking, when it gives off all its flavor.
Dried lemongrass is the most available in our stores. The use of this spice is extremely versatile. It is used as an addition to soups, sauces, drinks, salads or for marinating meat or fish. You can also pour boiling water over it and drink it in the form of a refreshing infusion when it's stretched. Dried lemongrass is a common ingredient in flavored teas and Asian herbal blends.
Lemongrass: home cultivation
Lemongrass is very good for growing at home. Although seedlings of this plant are not widely available in Poland, you can easily grow it yourself from seeds. It is best to sow them in early spring, at the end of March. Place lemongrass seeds in containers filled with soil for sowing and press lightly.Then they need to be moistened and set in a warm and sunny place. The seedlings appear after a few days. Remember to sprinkle them regularly to keep them moist all the time. In the initial phase, you can also cover them with foil to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
When the plants grow a bit, transplant them to larger boxes or pots. Their further care consists mainly in watering them regularly and providing warmth and plenty of sunlight. After mid-May, when the last frosts are over, pots with lemongrass can be taken out onto the balcony or terrace, where they can stay until autumn. Lemongrass looks nice for about 3-4 years. It is a good idea to replace its container with a larger one once a year.
Lemongrass: growing in the garden
Lemongrass is a perennial plant, but in our climate it will not survive the winter in the garden. It is very sensitive to cold. Temperatures below 8 ° C do not suit her, and when they drop below 0 ° C, lemongrass has virtually no chance of surviving.Citronella can be treated as a seasonal decoration or transplanted into a pot for winter and in a heated room.
However, lemon grass looks beautiful in the garden, so it's not worth giving up. In the period from late spring to early autumn, it can be successfully used as a decoration of flower beds, rockeries or on the edges of lawns. Citronella needs a lot of heat and sun, and the position where it grows should be sheltered from the wind. It is also good to feed it with compound fertilizer.
Although lemongrass needs a lot of moisture in the summer season, if you decide to winter it indoors, you should limit watering it and abandon fertilization altogether. In the spring, you need to trim the shoots to a height of about 5 cm. If we decide to leave the plant in the container, it is good to replace at least part of the substrate with new ones. It is also a good time to separate larger plants into smaller clumps.
You can make cuttings yourself from ripe lemongrass. Cut shoots should be put in the water, wait for them to sprout, and then put them in the ground or in a pot with soil.
Should you use perlite or vermiculite for the substrate when sowing lemongrass?
Lemongrass, or Lemongrass, is a tropical plant that likes heat, so it should be grown in fully sunlit but sheltered from wind parts of the garden. It prefers fertile soil, but is undemanding and will grow in any well-drained soil. In summer, it requires abundant watering while maintaining adequate soil aeration. There is no need to use specialized mineral additives for the potting soil in the cultivation of the palm tree. The structure of the garden soil can be loosened by applying sand. However, if someone really wants to use garden perlite or vermiculite, it is definitely perlite. Both additives improve the soil structure and regulate the air-water conditions of the substrate, but it is perlite that provides greater airiness of the substrate and better water drainage. Vermiculite has a great ability to retain moisture, which is undesirable in the long term.
- says Dr. Eng. Tomasz Mróz
Lemongrass: use and healing properties
Lemongrass has been used for centuries in Asia and South America, where its positive effects on he alth were appreciated. In India, it was used to treat indigestion and lack of appetite, and the Chinese used it to make a drink for headaches and stomachaches. In many South American countries it is treated as a stimulant. It is added to the popular Brazilian yerba mate infusion, as well as to the Peruvian carbonated drink called Inca Kola (Golden Kola), which has been produced since 1935 and is very popular.
Lemongrass is high in vitamin C, iron, manganese, and potassium, as well as polyphenols and some folate. The healing properties of lemongrass are confirmed by scientific research. This plant has a positive effect on maintaining an adequate level of cholesterol and glucose in the blood.It supports concentration, has an antidepressant effect and also improves blood circulation. In addition, it contains substances that can be helpful in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes or cancer. When applied externally, lemongrass refreshes, disinfects, reduces sebum secretion and soothes the smell of sweat. There are no contraindications to consuming lemongrass, only pregnant women should not overdo it.
The most widely used essential oil is derived from lemongrass, the same as that derived from lemon peel. It has a disinfecting effect, helps fight cold sores and soothes inflammation. It is widely used in cosmetics.
The infusion based on lemongrass has many uses. The action of such a drink has a positive effect on many ailments. It soothes bloating, helps with stomach problems and supports the secretion of digestive juices. In addition, it has a slight diuretic effect. It also works well for colds, because it contains a lot of vitamin C.Its antibacterial and disinfecting properties make it perfect for rinsing a sore and irritated throat.
Drying lemongrass is a good idea if we are not able to use it on a regular basis. It is best to cut it into small pieces and sprinkle it evenly on a flat surface, e.g. on a tray or board. Leave the grass to dry in a dark, dry and airy place. When it is dry, store it in a tightly closed jar, preferably made of dark glass.
