Lemongrass

Growing

Lemongrass is a perennial herb that cannot tolerate even a light frost, so establish strong, well-drained clumps in warm, sunny locations. You can start the plant from seed, but division is more efficient. When mature clumps become large, separate the rooted tillers to create new plants. During early growth, incorporate organic fertilizers into a sandy loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 to encourage tillering.

As the plants mature, harvest the fragrant stalks for culinary use. The leaves flavor roasted meats or make a mild, sweet tea. Since the plant does not ripen further once picked, harvest the stalks when they reach your desired size. Store the harvest unwashed to keep the flavor fresh. A large yield can be preserved by drying the leaves or freezing them for soups and stews.