Many species of ornamental grasses do not only fulfill an aesthetic function. In addition to the tasteful appearance, they can also be useful in terms of practical use (not only) in the kitchen. An example is a lemon grass, which is grown more and more often in our region. For many gardeners, lemongrass is still a big unknown. However, awareness of this useful plant is gradually spreading, and there is a growing interest in its cultivation. Although this is not an easy task, as lemon grass adapts to local conditions a little more difficult, but with proper care, you will be able to beautify the environment and use it at the same time.
Lemongrass: Where did the lemon grass come from?
Lemongrass: What are the typical features of lemon grass?
- It is a perennial, fast and densely growing exotic grass.
- The name is after a pungent aroma with a lemon flavor.
- It is known for its long and also solid gray-green tufts.
- The tallest species tend to grow up to a height of 1.5 meters.
The Lemongrass: What are the conditions for growing lemon grass?
Location
Tropical origin predestines lemon grass for planting in an open, lighted habitat. By placing it in a brighter place without shadow, you will also provide it with the necessary doses of heat.
Earth
It thrives best in sandy-loam soil types, which help it to take root better. At the same time, the soil should be as permeable as possible, resp. aerated.
Planting
There are two ways to plant this grass. At the first, you start by planting seeds, which you plant in containers placed on the window sill in the winter. The second option is to buy pre-prepared lizards, which you can plant outside in the garden at the end of spring.
Lemongrass: Care for lemon grass after planting
Topping
You don’t have to save water when watering. Lemongrass also handles a slightly more abundant watering, preferably at regular intervals. Watering is always recommended after the soil has dried after the previous watering.
Lemongrass: Fertilization
If you use the right substrate and place the plant in a bright place, it will grow even without fertilization. So If you want to supply it with nutrients, you can apply a little fertilizer once a month. If you want to use lemongrass in the kitchen, it is recommended to use natural fertilizers without chemical additives.
Winterizing
Since lemongrass is not able to survive frosts, you have to hibernate with it on the colder autumn days. During the winter, you will appreciate the room with plenty of light to keep the room temperature.
Lemongrass: How can lemongrass be used?
Tea
You don’t need proper citrus to make a delicious lemon tea. Lemongrass, which is slightly less acidic than classic lemon, is enough, which significantly improves its taste.
Pepper
While in our country lemon tea is mainly made of tea, in Asian countries it is used more as a spice, resp. flavoring. For this purpose, the onion ends of the tufts are cut from the grass, which are then mixed into the food, sliced.
Cosmetics
Lemongrass has also found application in the production of cosmetics. Thanks to its lemon scent, it is an ingredient in perfumes or essential oils. Thanks to medicinal substances, which include vitamins, essential oils and flavonoids, it appears in creams and ointments.
