Lemongrass

(Cymbopogon citratus)

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We grow a lot of lemmongrass, here’s why?

1. It is easy to grow. While frost sensitive and not generally available early in the season, Lemongrass grows prolifically in the summer months. This picture taken in November prior to the first frost in our area shows just how well they grow.
   • Generally speaking I buy them as early in the season as I can. I purchased some seeds and they germinated well. After germination however, I became suspicious that they were not actually lemongrass. I will try again next year.
   • I suggest planting it in loose soil which is not compacted for quick growth.
   • How they reproduce – method 1 – from the rhizome (root). From the original root the leaves will grow as they harvest the sun’s energy they create additional roots and spread that way. Unlike sunchokes and bamboo, the roots generally stay packed closer to the original meaning it is possible to remove all of the root and plant should you change your mind about growing them.
2. Beautiful Weed Control. If you are going to have grass growing like crazy, why not have a strikingly well place bunch of lemongrass. Since it out competes other grasses by growing densely thick blades of grass, it reduces the available space weeds.
3. They can be used for flavor. Two ways to use as an herb.
   • The stalks can be cut like scallions or left in larger sizes to flavor stews and soups. Typically lemongrass stalks are used in some Asian recopies. We have not used the stalks much.
   • What we use lemongrass for most is to make teas. Our favorite tea is lemongrass steeped with turmeric and pepper. Even without the additional spices, the lemongrass alone requires no sugar and it neither excessively tart or sweet. We sometimes make it in larger quantities and let it cool down before putting it in a pitcher in the fridge to make an amazing iced tea. Again no sugar required for this delicious and refreshing drink.
4. Other uses.
   • With the long and durable blades of grass, I wonder if it could be used to make baskets that smell good.
   • There are a number or herbal claims related to lemongrass, I have not researched these claims at this point.

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