Cymbopogon citratus, Lemon Grass, from the family Poaceae. Jekka's Herb of the month, August
"Lemon Grass is well known nowadays, for the fragrant, citrus flavour
it adds to Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Indonesian and
West Indian dishes. Lemon grass is less famous, however, for its medicinal properties. Did you know, for example, that it's a natural carminative and relaxant? " Jekka McVicar
Lemon Grass is also known as Fever grass. In the Caribbean, where it grows and flowers naturally, it is often used for reducing fevers.
Lemon grass growing in its native tropics
Lemon grass flower
Lemon grass is a frost-tender perennial, evergreen in warm climates, where it can grow to a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m.
Records show that in the first century BC, the Persians used Lemon grass as a tea.
This important culinary and medicinal herb, found throughout the tropics, is native to South East Asia, where, it is extensively used not only in cooking, but also in the production of essential oil, and also as a snake repellant.
Lemon grass will rarely flower in cool climates, or in cultivation.
It needs protection from temperatures below 5 °C, and should be moved in autumn, to a well ventilated, frost-free environment. For this reason, Lemon grass makes an ideal container plant in the UK
Propagation
Seed:
Sow Lemon grass seed in spring, into prepared seed or module plug trays. Place under protection at 20°C (68°F). Germination takes approximately 15-25 days. When the seedlings become large enough, pot up using a loam-based compost and grow on until well established. Either plant out in the garden in warm climates or, in cool climates, grow on as a container plant.
Cuttings: Take Lemon grass cuttings in spring, from a plant that is over one year old with an established crown. Gently remove the swollen lower stem from the crown, and then remove any grass from the stem. Now cut the stem back to 10cm, and place in a prepared module plug tray or a very small pot. Don't be tempted to over pot, as this will cause the cutting to rot. Place under protection or in a warm position, away from cold draughts. Once rooted, pot up into a small pot using a loam based compost.
Division:
In the garden, use two forks, back to back, to gently tease the Lemon grass plant apart. Replant immediately into a prepared site. For container plants, divide either with your fingers, or two small forks, by teasing the crown apart and repotting into a pot which fits snugly around the roots. Lemon grass is happiest when pot bound. Use a loam based potting compost.
Lemon grass will become dormant when light levels
and night temperatures drop: the grass will turn brown
and the outside leaves will shrivel. Next spring, you will notice
new grass appearing as the plant wakes up from its winter slumber.
Garden Cultivation:
Lemon grass can be grown outside where the night temperature does not fall below 8°C (48°F). If your summers are hot and wet and your winters warm and dry, then plant in any soil, including a heavy soil.
If however, you live in a cool climate such as the UK, then grow
Lemon grass in a container.
Container Growing: Lemon grass makes an ideal container plant. Use a loam-based compost which should not be allowed to dry out in summer. In autumn, bring the plant into a frost-free environment of 5°C (40°F) minimum. When light levels and night temperatures drop, Lemon grass will go dormant: the grass gradually turns brown and the outside leaves shrivel. Reduce watering to a minimum and cut back the grass to 10cm above the stems. In early spring, as the days become longer and temperatures begin to rise, you will notice new grass beginning to grow. Cut off all the dead growth. Repot if necessary and liquid feed weekly.
Harvesting: Fresh Lemon grass leaves and lower stems can be cut throughout summer for use fresh or dry. Lemon grass stems can be stored whole in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to two weeks. Stems and leaves can be frozen for use within five months.
Lemon grass makes an ideal container plant,
especially in cooler climates
Harvest fresh Lemon Grass leaves and stems throughout the summer
Lemon grass is rich in iron, selenium and zinc. It is used not only to add fragrant flavour to many culinary dishes, but is also used commercially in soaps and perfumes.
Uses:
Medicinal:
Lemon grass leaves and stems contain vitamins A, B and C. They are rich in iron, chromium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, potassium and phosphorous. A tea made from fresh Lemon grass leaves is very refreshing, as well as being a relaxant for the stomach and gut. It is also a very good anti-depressant.
Culinary:
The fresh leaves and stems of Lemon grass have been considered an important culinary herb for thousands of years in Thailand, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the West Indies. It is only in the last twenty years that Lemon grass has become gained popularity in European and Australian cooking. The lemon flavour complements curries and stir frys, and particularly seafood, garlic and chillies.
Other uses: Lemon grass is valued for its exotic citrus fragrance, and is used commercially in soaps and perfumes. It is also used as an insect repellant.
