Lemongrass Plant Profile
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon
flexuosus and Cymbopogon citratus)
is grown for its strongly lemon-scented leaves and decorative qualities. The
plant is perennial in hot climates, but must be treated as an annual or grown
as an indoor-outdoor plant in our region. It is also known as Fever Grass,
Cochin Grass, and Malabar Grass.
Lemongrass is a member of the grass family. They grow well
in containers. As soon as the danger of frost has passed in the spring, put the
containers out in full sun and then in the fall transition the pots indoors
before they are hit by a freeze. During the summer, keep the plants evenly
moist and fertilized with an organic vegetable fertilizer.
It is a clumping grass with narrow, arching leaves that can
grow 3 feet long. The leaves bend downward near their tips. A mature planting has
a fountain-like appearance.
Lemongrass can be harvested one blade at a time as needed
during the growing season. They can be clipped off at the soil line.
Lemongrass stalks and smaller pieces can also be dried and
preserved, but the best way to use it is fresh in soups, sauces, curries, and
stir-fries. Folded or cut leaves can be tied in bundles and added to flavor
dishes and beverages.
It can be propagated by seeds or division. Lemongrass plants
are unlikely to bloom or produce seeds in our short growing season. Food markets
usually separate lemongrass clumps into individual plants, trim the
free-flowing part of their leaves short, and label them as lemongrass stalks.
It is the fleshy stalks that are most often used in cooking. Some of these
stalks come with roots still attached and can be used to start new plants.
Lemongrass is related to Citronella and is said to repel
mosquitos. However, you have to rub the essential oils on your skin in order
for it to work.
Deer generally leave Lemongrass alone due to strong citrus
scent and sharp leaf edges.
Lemongrass: You Can Grow That!
The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.
Audio and Text by Kathy Jentz
Editing by Koree Perry
Video and Photos by
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