Growing lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates) is a well-known Asian a herb, used for its tender stem bases and leaves which have a strong lemon flavor and aroma. Lemongrass can be grown from seed in late spring after all danger of frost passes. Lemongrass is a perennial if grown in tropical climates.

Lemongrass cannot tolerate water logging or extremes of climate. Growth is slowed down during winter months and leaves are dried during hot summer.

Lemongrass likes to be planted in a moist or sandy soil. It prefers full sun, but can also survive in partial shade to full shade.

Lemongrass foliage is harvested before the leaf blades become excessively long. They can grow to a length of 1 m, which is not suitable for packaging for fresh-cut sales.

The lemongrass ones planted lasts for eight to ten years in the field. Lemongrass is ideally harvested in mid to late summer by cutting of its branches and shoots.

Lemongrass is best used fresh in most dishes and is widely used by many ethnic restaurants.
Growing lemongrass