Lemon Grass : Plant Description, Germination & Uses

                                         

                                  Lemon Grass

A perennial-type grass with long, thin, flat greenish-grey tinged reeds, . Native to Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family. Some species, are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons. It grows to about 2 m (6.6 ft) and have magenta-colored base stems.


Botanical name: Cymbopogon Citratus

Family: Poaceae

Life cycle: Perennial

Plant height : 6.6 ft

Leaf Colour: Green

Temperature: 20-30°C

Light: Full sun/ half sun

Soil: Loamy soil

Climate : Tropical, subtropical

Advantage: Easy to grow, evergreen, fragrant


Germination

Lemon grass will germinate within a week or two, and if our experience is typical, the seed has a high germination rate. Keep the seeds moist and in a warm spot until they germinate. Transplant them to a pot when they’re about six inches tall, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart, and making sure they’ll have plenty of space for good root growth.

Do not over water newly transplanted plant. Do not let it sit in wet soil. Once active top growth is evident, weekly deep waterings will encourage good root growth without allowing the roots to dry out.

Uses

• Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as medicinal herb in India. 
• It has a 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.emongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. 
• Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties. Despite its ability to repel some insects, such as mosquitoes.