Are you wondering about what’s the best way for growing Lemongrass? Don’t worry, we have got you covered.
Lemongrass is a tropical and evergreen perennial grass that can grow in a variety of environments. Regardless of where you plant the herb, its calming and pleasant aroma, along with poor soil revitalization potential, makes it a must-have!
Likewise, Lemongrass is effective in treating various health issues and boosting immune health. Its thick juicy base has bursts of flavors and makes a great addition for culinary use.
With all these benefits, you must be wondering what’s the best way to grow Lemongrass. If you want to know, then read through:
Things Required to Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass requires certain conditions to thrive better. Along with these requirements, make sure to buy high-quality and durable herb-growing accessories.
The prerequisites for growing Lemongrass are as follows:
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Loamy
Soil pH: Neutral
Hardiness Zone: 10-11 USDA
Soil temperature: 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Water: Soggy but not too much water
Climate condition: Frost sensitive, grows well in hot, steamy weather
Spacing: 12 inches
Soil Requirements for Lemongrass
If you want your Lemongrass to grow well, make sure it gets the soil properties it requires. For good growth of Lemongrass, the soil should be nitrogen-rich and friable. The pH should lie within the range of 6.5 to 7, and the soil should be well-drained with adequate organic matter.
For areas with heavy clay soil, you can improve the soil quality by adding some gypsum to it. Alternatively, you can try mulching with composted wood chips.
How to Grow Lemongrass?
To grow Lemongrass perfectly, you must get good quality seeds from stores. For cuttings, you can get it from already grown Lemongrass. Once you have these handy, follow the steps below:
Growing Lemongrass from Seeds/Cuttings
To grow Lemongrass from seed, scatter the seeds in the ground and add them to the seed-raising mix. Make sure to plant 2 to 3 seeds for even germination.
Water the plant regularly for its good growth. The germination will take about 10-12 days.
Meanwhile, if you want to grow Lemongrass from the cuttings, take the stem and get rid of any dead leaves from its surface. You can cut the upper part of the stalk but do not trim the lower part.
Now, place the stalk in a glass of water and keep it in a warm area. Make sure to change the water regularly.
Once the root develops, plant the cutting into the container with a potting mix. You can always switch to the garden if the plant shows any new growth.
Growing Lemongrass in Pots
Lemongrass can be easily grown in pots. But, to ensure its good growth, you must choose the right container. As it’s a fast grower, it’s recommended to choose a large pot for the plant. That’s because, in small pots, the roots could break off.
Avoid choosing a plastic pot for planting Lemongrass. Instead, go for pots made with terracotta or ceramic. You can also choose fabric bags. Regardless of choice, ensure that the pot size is about 12 inches in diameter.
Once you have the desired pot for growing Lemongrass, choose a high-quality potting mix with organic matter and moisture. Fill your pot, water it well, and check for drainage.
Next, add the cuttings or seeds to the pot. Keep the soil moist and add liquid fertilizer. Lastly, keep the pot in a bright and warm spot and water it regularly.
Growing Lemongrass Outdoors and Indoors
Remember that Lemongrass thrives in full sun conditions. So, if you are growing herbs indoors, place them near a south-facing window that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. You can also supplement the light with indoor growing lights.
If you are growing Lemongrass outdoors, give adequate space to the plant, especially if the spreading is concerned. Plant the Lemongrass about 1 to 2 feet apart for better growth.
How to Maintain Lemongrass?
Your job is not done after planting the Lemongrass. Make sure you take good care of the plant to keep it healthy.
- The plant should be exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Water the plant for about 1 inch per week.
- Use nitrogen-rich fertilizer and manure tea to add in the trace nutrients.
- As it’s frost sensitive, bring back the Lemongrass indoors once the temperature drops to the 40s.
- Watch out for the symptoms of plant diseases (rust fungus), like brown spots and steaks.
These are some of the ways by which you can grow Lemongrass. Hopefully, now you know everything about growing Lemongrass outdoors or indoors.
