Cymbopogon citratus)
About Lemongrass
Lemongrass is grown widely as a culinary and ornamental plant. It is a staple in Asian cooking, where it imparts a distinctive flavour to many dishes.
The stalk is usually crushed for cooking and discarded rather than eaten. It can also be used to make lemon grass tea, and its essential oils are extracted for use in perfumes, insect repellants, and fragrant products.
The botanical name of Lemongrass is Cymbopogon citratus. The plant grows in clumps and can reach around 1 m in height under good conditions.
Although often seen as a tropical plant, Lemongrass can be grown in cooler climates, even as far south as Melbourne, provided it has a sunny position and moist soil through summer.
Asian Herbs in the Garden
Lemongrass is one of many Asian herbs that thrive in home gardens. Growing your own fresh Lemongrass ensures superior flavour, and it pairs well with other Asian culinary plants that can be grown in pots or garden beds.
How to Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass grows in large clumps, and fresh stalks are harvested by pulling from the clump. The pale white part near the root is regarded as the best for cooking. Because the plant is fibrous, it is usually sliced very finely when added to recipes. Dried Lemongrass should be soaked thoroughly before use.
Tender white stalks are used for cooking, while the remaining stalks can be used to make tea. Lemongrass is drought-resistant once established and thrives in a humus-rich, well-drained, moist soil. It can also be used as a border plantin vegetable gardens.
Care of Lemongrass Plants
Soil and Position
Lemongrass grows best in full sun with a humus-rich, moist soil. Prepare the soil by digging in well-rotted compostbefore planting.
Watering and Fertilising
After planting young clumps, water in well and use a liquid seaweed fertiliser to support growth.
Pruning and Dividing
- Harvesting: The best time to harvest is from early to mid-summer through to autumn. Pull individual stalks as needed.
- Winter care: Prune back to just above ground level to encourage new growth, being careful to avoid cutting above any new shoots.
- Propagation: Divide established clumps into 3–4 smaller clumps. Trim foliage to around 10 cm before replanting.
- Maintenance: Lemongrass will need dividing every 1–2 years to maintain vigour.
Uses of Lemongrass
- Culinary herb for Asian cooking
- Lemon grass tea
- Insect repellant
- Ornamental garden plant
The tender stalks are great with fish and chicken dishes, while dried stalks can be used to make tea or for flavouring.
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Lemongrass is available for sale from the following nurseries
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au