Lemongrass is a little all-rounder, which is why no garden should be without it. If you can't get enough of it, you can even multiply it yourself.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) not only refines Asian dishes. It can generally be used quite flexibly in the kitchen. The stalks are mainly used, but the leaves can also be used as a fresh and exotic spice. That's why it's always worth growing lemongrass in the garden yourself. It's also easy to grow there. This can happen in different ways. For example through root division, rooting and through seeds. If the natural conditions of lemongrass are observed, even beginners will be able to successfully propagate and cultivate the plant. The three propagation methods mentioned are presented below.
Propagation by dividing the root
Root division is a fairly simple way of propagation. It is even considered the simplest and most uncomplicated way of propagating lemongrass. The division should always be done on the younger parts of the plant. You also have to be careful not to damage the roots, otherwise the divided parts of the plant cannot grow as desired. Just do the root division as follows and nothing can go wrong.
❶ The area intended for division must be cut off with a spade.
❷ You can then lift the root ball out of the ground.
❸ You can now split the cut off part of the plant into several parts. Each segment must have enough roots.
❹ Put the sections back in the ground immediately after dividing.
❺ Then press down the soil well and water the plants sufficiently.
Important:
The plant needs enough space. After all, it can reach a diameter of more than one meter.
Propagation by rooting
To propagate lemongrass by rooting, you can use the commercially available lemongrass stalks that are offered as a kitchen spice. Anyone who wants this shouldWhen buying, make sure that a small stalk can be seen at the base of the leaves. Then do the following:
❶ Place the lemongrass stalk in a glass of water.
❷ Now place the glass in a sunny spot by the window.
❸ You should change the tap water from time to time.
❹ After the roots have formed, you can place the plant outdoors or in a suitable planter.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is a little more complicated. Sowing directly outdoors in our latitudes is likely to be difficult, because the seeds need consistently high temperatures of between 20 and 25 degrees. Therefore, the seeds of lemongrass are preferred in plant pots in the room. Late winter is good for this. When sowing seeds, simply proceed as follows:
❶ Place the seeds in plant pots filled with seed compost.
❷ Then cover the seeds not with soil but with compost. This promotes germination.
❸ Now moisten the substrate and cover the plant pots with a plastic or cling film hood.
❹ The pots should now have a sunny window seat. There should also be constant temperatures above 20 degrees.
❺ Once young plants have formed, they should move to a larger planter.
❻ Continue cultivating the young plants indoors and plant them outdoors at the end of May.
Tips for plant care after propagation
If the propagation is successful, it is a matter of caring for the lemongrass properly. You should start from the natural conditions of lemongrass.
❍ Location:
First and foremost, the plants need a lot of warmth. Young plants can also spend the summer in a sunny and sheltered spot in the garden or on the terrace. It is important to ensure adequate watering.
❍ casting:
You should water the lemongrass about three times a week. You should avoid waterlogging.
❍ Fertilize:
If you have enriched the potting soil with compost, the young plant will receive a welcome long-term fertiliser. During the growth phase, however, there is a high nutrient requirement, which can also be satisfied with horn shavings, nettle manure (instructions for making nettle manure yourself) or coffee grounds.