Lemon Grass - 25 Seeds
Cymbopogon flexuosus
Culinary, Asian cooking, essential oil, perennial herb.
The citrus touch of lemongrass plays a starring role in Tom Kha Gai, the traditional Thai soup of spicy coconut broth simmered with chicken, vegetables and fresh basil. This herb is a favourite ingredient used extensively in Asian cuisine and makes a refreshing herbal tea.
Originally a native plant in India and the tropical regions of Asia, lemongrass is used in teas, soups and curries, meat, chicken, and seafood dishes. It also adds a delicious flavour when used to infuse cooking liquids to steam mussels and clams.
In Australia, it is a common sight at supermarkets, greengrocers and Asian food stores. As it is a perennial plant, a clump kept free of frost can give home gardeners a supply of lemongrass year after year.
How are they grown and harvested?
Lemongrass grows best when it is planted in a sunny position and given plenty of water. It is a perennial tall grass (grows back year after year) and grows to 1 to 1.5 m. The plant forms rounded clumps of foliage, with light-green, lemon-scented leaves that grow on top of stalks.
Harvesting can start 10 to 16 weeks after sowing, once the stalks are about 1.5 cm thick, taking the outer stalks as required. To harvest, cut the stalk at ground level just below its swollen base, which is often purple in this species, and remove the outer woody layers and leaves. The older stalks should be harvested first to promote the growth of new stalks.
Sow Cool Climate: Avoid Hot & Cold Periods
Sow Warm Climate: Avoid Hot & Cold Periods
Depth: Just below the surface of the soil
Soil Temp: 20 to 30°C
Emerge: 7 to 14 Days
Spacing: 60 to 90 cm
Harvest: 10 to 16 Weeks
How to store and keep lemongrass
Store lemongrass wrapped in plastic in the crisper section of your fridge. It will keep for up to two weeks when stored this way. Freeze lemongrass for up to six months by tightly wrapping it in foil.
The leaves are also brewed as a fragrant tea.
Propagation notes will be supplied with a seed packet.
