Tips

“The Ultimate Guide to Growing Lemongrass from Cuttings in Containers: Achieve a Bountiful Harvest with our Easy-to-Follow Steps.”

Are you aware of the unique method of growing lemongrass in a polystyrene box without roots, resulting in thicker stalks and a quicker harvest? If not, then read on, as we reveal the secrets to achieving this.

Administrator

20 July, 2024

Lemongrass is a popular herb used in Vietnamese cuisine, but it can be hard to find. In this guide, we’ll show you how to grow your own lemongrass in a simple container garden with just a few easy steps. With this method, you’ll be able to harvest lemongrass all year round without having to go to the market. Let’s get started!

1. What You’ll Need

A container (such as a bucket or a small pot)
Potting soil
Gardening tools: hand trowel, shears, and a watering can

Lemongrass and its necessary tools

Tip:
Choose healthy, robust lemongrass stalks that are still fresh and in their growth phase. Avoid picking stalks that are too young or old.
The soil doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to be nutrient-rich and well-drained. You can use compost, aged manure, or a mixture of regular soil and organic matter. Alternatively, you can purchase potting soil from a garden center.

2. How to Plant Lemongrass

Steps to plant lemongrass

Step 1 Trim the lemongrass stalks by cutting off 2mm from the base to create a fresh surface for water absorption.

Step 2 Remove 2-3 layers of the outer leaves (sheaths) to expose more of the base, which will encourage faster root growth.

Step 3 Cut off the top portion of the lemongrass, leaving only about 10cm from the base.

Step 4 Place the stalks in a jar or container and fill it with water until it covers about ⅘ of the stalks. Soak the lemongrass for about 7 days, adding more water as needed to keep the stalks submerged.

Step 5 Once the roots and new leaves have sprouted, it’s time to plant the lemongrass in soil. Prepare your container by drilling or poking holes in the bottom for drainage to prevent waterlogging. Then, fill the container with soil and plant the lemongrass.

Note:
Plant the lemongrass at a 60-degree angle to encourage better growth. After planting, thoroughly water the soil around the base to maintain moisture.

3. Caring for Your Lemongrass

Caring for lemongrass

Lemongrass is a resilient plant that can thrive in various weather conditions. However, for optimal growth, consider the following care tips:

Watering

Initially, water the lemongrass once or twice a day to promote faster growth, making sure the soil is thoroughly moistened without being waterlogged. Once the plant is established, you can reduce watering to every other day or less frequently.

Light

Place your lemongrass in a bright, sunny spot that receives morning and evening sunlight but avoid intense midday sun as it may scorch the leaves.

Fertilizer

You can purchase leaf fertilizer from a garden store or use compost or aged manure to feed your lemongrass. Fertilize once a month with a small amount.

Pests and Diseases

Lemongrass is naturally pest-resistant due to its strong scent. So, you’re unlikely to encounter any significant issues with insects or diseases.

Pruning

Remove any old, dry leaves and prune the plant if it becomes too bushy to encourage healthier growth.

How long does it take to harvest lemongrass?

Harvesting lemongrass

If you’re growing lemongrass for culinary purposes, you can start harvesting after 3-4 months. Simply cut the larger stalks and allow the smaller ones to continue growing.

For essential oil extraction, you’ll need to wait for 10-12 months until the plant is more mature and has produced a sufficient amount of oil.

To harvest, cut the leaves and sheaths about 8-10cm from the ground. Continue caring for the remaining stalks, and in 5-6 months, you’ll have a new batch of lemongrass ready for use or oil extraction. This way, you can enjoy a continuous supply of lemongrass throughout the year.

We hope this guide has inspired you to try growing your own lemongrass at home. It’s a simple and rewarding process that will add a touch of freshness to your cooking and your life!