It shouldn't be missing in almost any Asian dish - lemongrass. We will show you what to consider when growing in your own garden.
Originally, the lemon herb (Cymbopogon citratus) probably comes from the tropical and subtropical areas of India or Sri Lanka. Maybe the sweet grass (Poaceae) is so sensitive to frost due to habit and homeland ties and is therefore not really suitable for successful cultivation in our latitudes. However, we will show you what options there are so that you can grow and harvest the lemon-smelling and tasting weed in your own garden.
Growing lemongrass - step by step
- Location: Due to its sensitivity to frost, there is no one location for lemongrass. It definitely has to spend the winter indoors at an optimal temperature of at least 10 °C. In summer, however, the sweet grass can either be planted out in the bed or continued to be cultivated in the pot. In any case, you have to choose a sunny spot for the lemongrass. The soil or substrate should be permeable and rich in nutrients. Normal potting soil mixed with some draining sand can be used for pot culture. If the lemongrass is planted out, sandy loamy soil is the perfect balance between permeability and the ability of the root area to hold water.
- Propagation: There are several ways to propagate lemongrass. Sowing is one of them. The seeds can be sown in February and March. At 15 °C you can see the first seedlings after three to four weeks - provided you have covered the seed with a layer of substrate, because lemongrass is a so-called dark germinator. A few weeks later you could multiply the lemongrass by division. However, this requires a mother plant from whose eyrie you tear out individual stalks with the root if possible and simply plant them again immediately. If you don't have lemongrass seeds or mother plants on hand, you can also try outto grow a plant from purchased lemongrass stalks. Simply place the stem base in a glass of water in a bright spot and hope roots form on it. However, the water should be changed regularly. With increasing standing time, more bacteria can form, which clog the vascular system of the shoot.
- Watering and fertilizing: When it comes to watering lemongrass, the he althy middle has to be found. Drought stress should be avoided in any case and if there is too much moisture there is a risk of root rot. Regular watering, especially on sunny and hot days, should ensure even moisture. In the event of extreme drought and subsequent intensive watering, the lemongrass also becomes more susceptible to infestation with rust fungi.
- Wintering: Lemongrass is absolutely not hardy. Temperatures that do not fall below 10 °C should be aimed for overwintering the sweet grass. If the lemongrass is planted in the bed in summer, it must always be brought back to warmer climes. If there is a light spot in the house, the evergreen grass can be harvested even in winter.
- Harvest: With optimal winter conditions, lemongrass can be harvested all year round. The culms can simply be cut off a few centimeters above the soil surface. You should not cut too deep, as this could damage the base and endanger new growth of the grass at that point. In order to experience the full aroma, it is best to harvest young, tender shoots. In addition, summer is the best flavorful harvest time. By regularly cutting the stalks when harvesting the lemongrass, there is also no need to cut back the grass if it is too old. The continuous harvest for use in the kitchen ensures a vital and young plant.
- Storage: Lemongrass is best used freshly harvested. One advantage, especially against the background of commercial production in distant countries, is that fresh lemongrass can be stored well. Wrapped in paper, it can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks without losing its aroma. The usability of lemongrass can be extended to almost a year by freezing. Lemongrass should not be dried to preserve it, as is done with many other herbs and spices. Unfortunately, the drying process results in too much loss of aroma.