How to Grow Lemongrass: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Lemongrass is a delicious and versatile herb that’s easy to grow at home. It’s a great addition to any garden, and it can be used in a variety of dishes.
Growing Lemongrass
There are two main ways to grow lemongrass: from seed or from a supermarket stalk.
Growing Lemongrass from Seed
- Sow seeds in spring in moist compost.
- Keep the pot covered in a warm place to aid germination.
- When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger pots.
- Once the roots are showing through the bottom, transplant into a larger pot.
Growing Lemongrass from a Stalk
- Take a whole lemongrass stalk and slice off a sliver from the base.
- Remove any leaves and place the stalk in a glass of water.
- Put it in a warm, sunny spot and refresh the water every day.
- It should take a couple of weeks for roots to appear.
- Plant the rooted stalk in a pot of compost.
Caring for Lemongrass
- Lemongrass prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
- Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Cut back the stems to 10cm in fall.
Harvesting Lemongrass
- Once your lemongrass plant is mature, you can start harvesting the stems.
- Cut stems just below the base, leaving plenty on the plant to allow it to produce new growth.
Troubleshooting
- Brown, red, or yellow marks on leaves could be lemongrass rust. Keep the plant healthy with regular watering and avoid watering from above.
- Yellow or brown spots on leaves could be a sign of the yellow sugarcane aphid. Wash the aphids off the lemongrass with water.
Conclusion
Growing lemongrass is a rewarding experience. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown lemongrass all season long.