Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a wonderful, tall perennial grass with red base stems that grow quickly and spreads to fill a planting bed or pot. This beneficial herb with a lemony scent is frequently used fresh or dried to make tea or used as an herb in Asian cooking. The oil extracted from lemongrass can be used as a natural pest repellent to deter pests in the garden. The oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can be used as a natural fungicide or disinfectant. Lemongrass makes a great border along grow beds and helps prevent soil erosion. This is an all-around great ornamental herb to grow in your space.

Days to Maturity: 3-4 months

Plant size: 3-5ft tall and 2-4ft wide in the ground, smaller if grown in a container

Plant spacing: 24-36” apart

Sun, soil, and water requirement: Lemongrass loves the heat, so plant it in full sun in rich, well-draining soil. It's relatively drought tolerant and only needs to be watered when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Check lemongrass more frequently if growing in a container.

Harvesting: Harvest the leaf stalks from the outside of the clump once plants are established. Cut or break off stalks that are ¼ inch thick as close to the ground as possible. The outer layers of lemongrass are tough and green like a cornhusk, and when it’s pulled away, you’ll find the inner white core which is best for cooking. Lemongrass can be dried or frozen for use later or stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Culinary: You can use the white inner stalk for cooking and the leaves for cooking or brewing teas. Bending or bruising (pressing the leaves) will help release its zesty, citrus flavor. Lemongrass is often used in curries, sauces, stews, and salads and it steeps deliciously into teas, soups, and stocks.

Nutrients: This nutrient-dense herb contains nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin C, and is widely used for its anti-inflammatory effects as well as many other benefits.

Special considerations: Lemongrass roots can take over so give it its special location or place barriers between plants and other crops. Once established, plants can be divided easily to spread in other spots in your garden, or to share with friends and neighbors! To divide, just dig up the clump of lemongrass and split the root ends into several sections, and replant.

Companion planting: Lemongrass is great to plant with trees or other large plants like bananas, alongside ginger, turmeric, pigeon peas, and taro. It also loves living with your Mediterranean herbs like thyme, basil, rosemary, and oregano.

Container friendly

Please Note:

** Pots and plants may vary from the picture depending on the size and maturity ordered. All plants have been carefully hardened off and are ready to be transplanted into their permanent garden home or pot once delivered.

** Growing details provided are general. Conditions will change depending on your location, elevation, climate, rainfall, and accessible sunlight.

** Nutritional information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.