Lemongrass(Cymbopogon citratus), also known as citronella or lemongrass, is a perennial tropical grass. The culinary and healing properties of lemongrassare appreciated all over the world, but it is also worth planting for its decorative qualities. In a moment you will find out if it is possible togrowing lemongrass in the gardenor in a pot, you will learn the rules of its care and see how easy we cangrow lemongrass from sowing seeds Learn the secrets of growing and using lemongrass!
Lemongrass
Fig. © Piotr Moliński
What does lemongrass look like?
Lemongrass comes from Southeast Asia , where it grows wild and in crops. It is in Asian cuisine thatthe use of lemongrass as an addition to many dishes, soups and drinksIn cultivation, generative shoots of lemongrass are up to 150 cm long, and in natural conditions up to 2 m.This grass forms dense clumps of green leaves, sharp at the edgesLemongrass flowers are greenish-red, small, gathered in a complex spike. It is a perennial ornamental grass, but it looks best during the first 3-4 years of cultivation. Then it has to be divided and burst into new places.
Lemongrass - Properties
The culinary and healing properties of lemongrass are widely appreciated.
The healing properties of lemongrassare mainly associated with the high content of vitamin C.The lemon scent can be felt when transplanting the grass or when the leaves are broken and crushed.The leaves and shoots of lemongrass contain a lot of volatile oils , in which the main ingredient is citral (up to 80%). It has anti-cancer properties.
Lemongrass is available aspowder, oils, or a fresh stalk that is cut into slices. An infusion made of slices, lemongrass powder or essential oil fights headaches. I have personally usedlemongrass infusion for indigestionand I admit that it brings relief!Lemongrass Oilis also used in aromatherapy. However, it is worth following the recommended doses, because excess oil (especially added excessively to the bath) may irritate the skin.
The culinary properties of lemongrassare used in Asian cuisine where lemongrass is often added to drinks and soups. An example is the Thai Tom-yum soup with a spicy and sour taste. Lemongrass is added to tea, herbs and fruit teas.
Lemongrass Iced Tea
Lemongrass - growing in the garden
Unfortunatelylemongrass in our climate is not suitable for wintering in the groundIt is not frost-resistant and when the temperature drops around 0 ° C, its leaves dry out immediately. Below 0 ° C, lemongrass freezes completely. Thereforegrowing lemongrass in the garden is possible only when the temperatures are always positive
Personally, Igrow lemongrass as an annual . In early autumn, I cut out all the shoots, the thickest ones are eaten, and the rest go to flavor the soups.
If you wantlemongrass to overwinter until the next year , after spending the summer in the garden, it must be transplanted into pots and moved to frost-protected rooms.
Lemongrass - growing in a pot
It is definitely easiergrowing lemongrass in a potThen in summer the plant can be exposed to the garden or on the terrace, and before the onset of frost, we transfer lemongrass to a bright and cool room for wintering where the temperature does not fall below 5 ° C. During this period, the grass is watered sparingly, so that the substrate is slightly moist and we give up fertilization completely.
When the spring frosts pass (second half of May)put lemongrass in the gardenwith a pot or put it in the ground. We start watering normally. It is also worth using a natural fertilizer, e.g. biohumus, so that the shoots and leaves of the palmetto grow larger.
Lemongrass - growing from seeds
Since lemongrass seedlings are hard to come by, it is worth tryinggrowing lemongrass from seedsSowing lemongrass seeds is best in March. For this you need to prepare a pot filled with soil for sowing seeds. Lemongrass seeds are placed on top of the substrate, then press lightly.Sprinkle the earth generously, and then place the pot in a warm and sunny place, remembering to sprinkle it regularly to keep the soil moist. You can also cover it with foil, which will help to maintain constant humidity.
Lemongrass seedlings will appear within a few daysUsually we can see them within 3 to 7 days of sowing. Further care for lemongrass mainly consists of giving the plants warmth, plenty of sun, and keeping the soil moist.Harvesting lemongrass for food purposeswill be possible from mid-summer to autumn.
Lemongrass seedscan be ordered in our online store. I recommend high-quality seeds, the only hermetically packed on our market, from which a large number of seedlings will emerge. To go to the store, press the button below.
Eng. landscape architect Piotr Moliński
