The characteristic smell of makes its use in scenting of soaps, detergents, insect repellent preparations.
Lemon grass is a potent lemon-citrus herb. Common as a seasoning in Asian cuisine, it also works great as a tea. Lemongrass tea is thought to be a home remedy for certain conditions and lemongrass essential oil has many homeopathic benefits as well. Here, s how to grow lemongrass.
You can also use lemon grass in soups, stews and stuffings. It has a fresh lemony scent and a light flavor without the tart bite of the lemon fruit. Lemon grass teas has become a very popular drink. This herb has a slight, fresh lemony flavor.Lemon grass has long, slender grayish-green leaves and a fibrous base. The oil of lemon grass is used in many perfumes, soaps and body lotions. The plant has been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.Cymbopogon (lemongrass) is a genus of about 55 species of grasses, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World and Oceania. It is a tall perennial grass. Lemongrass is native to India and tropical Asia. It is widely used as an herb in Asian cuisine. It has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. It is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for use with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood.Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties. Despite its ability to repel insects, its oil is commonly used as a lure to attract honey bees.
Sunlight |
Lemongrass requires full sun and warm weather to thrive. If you don t have an area that receives six to eight hours of sun, lemongrass will not grow well in your yard. |
Watering |
Water frequently. It, s very difficult to overwater a lemongrass plant (it is accustomed to constant moisture) but it will not tolerate dried out roots. No need to keep the soil muddy, but definitely keep it moist. In dry areas, mist constantly with a spray bottle. |
Soil |
Plant lemongrass in loose, fertile soil that drains well, such as potting soil or loam mixed with compost (2 parts soil to 1 part compost). Clay soils retain too much moisture to be well suited for lemongrass and can lead to rot and nutrient deficiency. If you are planting lemongrass in a garden bed, leave 3 feet of space between individual plants. |
Fertilizer |
Lemongrass needs lots of nitrogen in order to thrive. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks but be careful if you are planting lemongrass amongst other plants, as many do not do well with too much nitrogen. |
Harvest Season |
Harvesting occurs when the plant is 4-8 months old, or when plant is approximately one foot tall. From thereon, lemongrass can be harvested every 3-4 months for approximately 4 yea
This is done by cutting the entire stalks and using fresh in teas. Make sure to cut the stalks below the white swollen ends.
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In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.