Growing Lemongrass
Updated: Jul 22, 2020
Again, here's my research done all based on Google reads and accessible websites I found online:
Disclaimer
1) I've never tried growing Lemongrass
2) I've never successfully grown Lemongrass
3) None of these information is absolutely credible, but worth a try
4) In this post, success is based on the growth of the plant till the harvest of the leaves and in possible continuation for consumption purposes. Comments provided are summarized and may be altered based on my 2 cents horti-brain opinions.
5) Information below does not help the Lemongrass taste better because that's a whole new story to tell
Funfact: Lemongrass is widely used as a herb in Southeast Asia. Because of that, more researches are done and you can find out more extended information about them. They are fast growing and can grow all year round!
Basic growing conditions of Cymbopogon
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Fertile (nitrogen rich), any well-drained soil/friable soil
Soil pH: 5.5-7.5
Temperature & Humidity: It shouldn't matter too much in Singapore for this plant i guess. They thrive in hot, steamy climates and are less tolerant to frost or fast changing temperatures.
What you'll need to grow Lemongrass:
Lemongrass stalks (about 5cm). Let the roots grow in water then transfer them to soil if they don't have roots yet. Again, we don't need to be using seeds.
Enough space for the plants to spread out
Pests rarely attack it as it contains citronella.
Tips to take note:
Planting space between about 1-2feet
It requires consistent moisture. Water when the top inch becomes dry. But don't flood it.
Feed with water-soluble fertilizers
Avoid Planting With corn & tomatoes
Regularly prune the dead leaves
If it looks sad, most likely there's insufficient sunlight or water.
Lemongrass is easy to grow. Once the plant is established (takes about 4-6 months), it will propagate itself and new plants will grow by the sides of existing stalks. Once you get the plants growing, you'll have almost unlimited supply lemongrass.
Start harvesting once the plants reaches 12 inches tall and are a half-inch wide at the base.
Post-harvest procedures:
You want to get the entire swollen base, which resembles a scallion or green onion. The edible portion of lemongrass is near the bottom of the stalk.
Carefully cut off the grassy top part of the plant; use caution, as this can be razor-sharp at times.
I think i don't have to tell you what lemongrass is for, right?
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Grow-Lemongrass/