Lemongrass, a spice from the Far East, is also popular in our latitudes. Here we explain how this herb is cultivated and cared for.
Many herbs that are used fresh and dried for the preparation of dishes in the kitchen have a permanent place in the home garden. Nevertheless, hobby gardeners are always on the lookout for new aromatic plants with which they can give their dishes a new, unmistakable taste. Exotic herbs have long since found fans in our region. Without a doubt, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is one of them.
It is native to far eastern latitudes and is used to subtropical and tropical climates. Lemongrass also thrives in Central Europe, but hobby gardeners must pay particular attention to winter protection if they are to enjoy these exotic aromatic plants for many years.
Grow lemongrass yourself
Variant 1
Buy fresh, plump lemongrass stalks at the market or in an Asian shop. At home, place them about 5 to 10 centimeters deep in a glass of water. Change the water more often to keep the stems from getting moldy. After two weeks you can see the first roots. When they have grown to about 2 centimetres, pot the lemongrass in nutrient-rich soil and keep the soil in the pots regularly moist.
Variant 2
You can also grow lemongrass with seeds (can be ordered here). You can find it in well-stocked seed shelves in garden centers or hardware stores. Sow the lemongrass in pots in February and grow it on the windowsill. Make sure that the soil in the seed pot is always moist but not too wet.
When the danger of frost has passed, plant the young plants outdoors at the end of May.
Lemongrass likes a bright and sunny spot
Regardless of whether the lemongrass is to be planted in a tub or directly outdoors, opt for a bright, sunny, dry location that is protected from excessively heavy rainfall. The soil should be rich in humus and well aerated. It is advisable thatPlace the young plant at least 10 cm deep in the ground, as the lemongrass has a lively root formation.
Water the lemongrass
- Water the herb twice to three times a week during the summer months. Avoid standing water and large amounts of water, as this can lead to root rot.
- The plant needs less moisture in the winter months. During this time, water the grass once a week. If the soil is wet for a long time, it is sufficient if you water it once every 14 days.
Fertilize only in spring and summer
- You should start fertilizing after the first year of life of this perennial plant.
The lemongrass is only fertilized during the main growing season, from April to September. During this time, give the plant an organic liquid fertilizer once a month. You can also feed the lemongrass in the spring and summer with a fertilizer in pellets that is placed on the soil around the plant. Horn shavings are also suitable as a classic long-term fertilizer on a natural basis. - The lemongrass does not get any additional fertilizer during the cold season.
Lemongrass pruning and harvesting
In the summer, the leaves can be cut and used. You should also remove yellow leaves, as they only leach the plant unnecessarily. However, do not touch the tubers, they are quite sensitive.
The plant is not cut during the winter months. However, minimal thinning is possible from time to time.
Overwinter lemongrass
Lemongrass does not tolerate frost. As soon as the thermometer drops to 5 to 10 °C in late summer, move the plant to a warm room. A conservatory is an excellent solution for the lemongrass. A sunny window sill or another sunny spot in the house is also ideal.
Lemongrass is also a perennial plant and can survive many winters indoors or in a closed and warm room.
Protect lemongrass against pests
The only significant pest of lemongrass is the fungus gnat. The adult mosquito itself is not the evil for the plant, but its larvae. These cause considerable damage, especially to young plants in tubs or pots.
The fungus gnat lays its eggs in the damp earth. At first, the larvae feed on the fertilizer. But if this is used up, they switch to the plant and damage it sensitively. theLarvae injure the roots and penetrate inside the lemongrass. This can have serious consequences, especially for young plants. Large plants can withstand pest infestation well.
How to get rid of the fungus gnat:
Simply put a finger-width layer of sand on the ground. This prevents the mosquitoes from laying eggs. You can water your lemongrass in the planter from below, the mosquitoes can only breed in a humid environment.
What is lemongrass used for?
No matter whether soup, fish, meat, salad, curry dish, rice dish or noodles: you can use lemongrass for practically any Asian dish. The seasoning is very simple. You can cook the cleaned stalk whole or roughly cut into pieces. Just remove the lemongrass before serving. The aroma stays in the dish and the halfway firm lemongrass doesn't bother you while eating.
Tea made from lemongrass also tastes very good. For a cup, roughly chop a stalk and pour boiling water over it. Let the tea steep well. Then remove the lemongrass and enjoy the tea. By the way, the tea also tastes good chilled in summer.
Conclusion: Lemongrass is perennial and relatively easy to cultivate. From the end of May to September it can stand outdoors in a bright, sunny and dry spot. If the outside temperatures drop to about 5 to 10 °C in late summer, bring the plant indoors. The soil in which the grass grows should always be kept moist, but avoid waterlogging. Fertilize from April to September with an organic fertilizer.