How to grow Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Water and mulch well during hot summers and feed with well-rotted manure in early spring.


Hard frosts will destroy the roots and leaves.


Preferred climate: wet subtropics to tropical coast.
Protect the plant base during winter months.best planted in sandy loam soils in large pots.less watering during freezing months to protect tissue from frost damage.pots made of plastic is good insulator compared to ceramics.

Growing Lemongrass from seed

Propagate new plants by dividing clumps into groups of two or three stolons so that some roots are attached to each piece. Late winter or spring.


In tropical regions, new plants can be grown by placing a stem into water until roots begin to grow and then planting.


It can also be grown successfully into temperate regions as long as plants have a sheltered, warm sunny position with plenty of water in summer.

Ensure a seed sowing distance of 1.62 feet (50.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 17°C / 63°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Lemongrass

Tanglad or lemon grass grows well in fine sandy loam .keep soil moist and positioned in direct sunlight.during winter keep the plant inside the lighted room or greenhouse with constant temp. Of 18C.need less watering when air is cool.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 16°C / 61°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Lemongrass is a half hardy plant.

Harvesting Lemongrass

Cut leaves near the base or ground.this will encourage the plant apex to produce younger leaves.need frequent watering after trimming of leaves. Harvested leaves can be air dried and stored inside the storage room with 12 C temp. Or below.The dried leaves can be used in tea or cold juices.

Seed Saving Lemongrass

Tanglad aka lemongrass seldom produce flowers and fruits which is opposite to the growth/flowering of taller citronella grass.

How long does Lemongrass take to grow?

These estimates for how long Lemongrass takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Lemongrass to germinate?
days

Average days | Min 2 days | Max 16 days (4)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Lemongrass?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until Lemongrass is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 159 days

Average 159 days | Min 120 days | Max 184 days (4)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Lemongrass?
= days

Lemongrass Etymology

Cymbopogon comes from greek pogon (beard) and kymbe (boat), which refers to the shape of the flower.

Lemongrass Folklore & Trivia

Commonly used in Thai cooking, as well as being a popular ingredient in many other Asian and Caribbean dishes.adobo or humba dish of south east asia become exotic because of tanglad or lemongrass leaves.Try to boil fish or chicken meat in with the lemongrass leaves and that unwanted smell or taste will disappear.Horse meat or other meat with strong smell can be cooked with these leaves (need to be drained)before frying in oil with garlic and ginger.

Other names for Lemongrass

Tanglad, Balin, Heung maau tso, Cang mao, Xiang mao cao, Serai, Sereh, Remon gurasu, Sloeuk krey, Bai mak nao, Houa si khai , Ta krai, Xa, Sa, West indian lemongrass, Lemon grass, Barbed wire grass, Silky heads, , Fever grass, Hierba luisa

Andropogon citratus

Misspellings: Cymbopogon citrates

Footnotes


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