Lemongrass is a tropical grass that is easy to arise at dwelling from seed Its citrusy , ginger - like flavor makes it a must for Thai and other southeasterly Asian cuisine The fragrant leaves can also be made into a refreshful afternoon tea . Lemongrass grows quickly into a orotund , ornamental ball that can be overwintered indoors in colder climate .
When to Start Lemongrass Seeds
lemongrass oil ejaculate starting meter look partly on your growing geographical zone . Since lemon grass thrives in summer heat , you require transplants to be quick to go outside once temperature have warmed up and the threat of frost has go through .
For Zones 3-7
For Zones 8-11
Start seed indoors 8 - 10 weeks before your last saltation frost date .
you may also take aim sow seeds out of doors 3 - 4 workweek before your last rime .
Check your local frost date and count backwards from your transplanting appointment to watch your ideal ejaculate starting clock time .
Gather Supplies for Starting Seeds Indoors
You do n’t call for fancy supplies to start lemongrass seeds , but having the good materials will help ensure success . Here ’s what you ’ll demand :
Lemongrass seeds – Look for non - GMO heirloom seeds from a reputable reference .
Containers – utilization cellphone packs , flats , peat pots , or other small container with drain mess .
Seed starting commixture – A loose , lightweight mix is idealistic . you could make your own .
Tray or dome – back create a greenhouse surroundings for seeds .
turn lights – Lemongrass needs 14 + hour of visible light per day .
Bottom heat – Helps maintain ardent land temperature .
stir up mat – Place under tray to supply 70 - 80 ° F territory warmth .
Thermometer – Monitors soil temperature under dome .
Spray bottleful – For gently haze over soil . Avoid overwatering .
label – Identify seed mixed bag as they bourgeon .
How to Plant Lemongrass Seeds
Fill container with moistened seed jump mix . mildly tauten it down .
Sow seeds 1/16 inch cryptic and 1 column inch apart . Lemongrass needs light to germinate .
Mist stain , cover trays , place on heat mats set to 70 - 80 ° F .
Once sprouted , move to full spectrum grow visible radiation , 14 - 16 hours per day .
Keep dirt moist but not soaked . Allow it to dry out out slightly between waterings .
take away domes once seedling seem . prioritise air circulation .
Thin seedling to one works per cell once the second set of leaf seem .
Harden off plants before transplanting outdoors in 4 - 6 weeks .
Caring for Lemongrass Seedlings
right care once seeds sprout is central :
keep warm dirt temperatures around 70 ° F until sprout .
Keep seedling under grow lights 14 - 16 hr per day . Supplement natural light .
Allow the top in of soil to dry out out between waterings . Do n’t oversaturate .
Ensure good air circulation once domes are removed .
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a week .
Support tall , long-shanked seedling with plant stake if require .
Gradually endanger seedling to outdoor term over 7 - 10 days before transplant .
Transplanting Lemongrass Outdoors
Harden off seedling for 7 - 10 days before transplanting . Slowly introduce to sun , current of air , and temporary .
Transplant after all chance of freeze has fall out , when soil arrive at 65 ° F .
Space plant 12 - 24 inches aside in full sunlight . They will reach 2 - 4 feet wide when mature .
Select a site with well - run out grease . Amend with compost if require .
piddle transplants daily for the first week , then allow dirt to dry out out between waterings .
Apply an constitutional vegetable plant food monthly during the growing season .
Mulch around plants to hold back moisture and reduce sess .
Ongoing Care of Lemongrass
A few simple practices keep lemongrass look its best :
Water whenever the top 1 - 2 inches of soil become ironical . Avoid overwatering .
Fertilize monthly with a balanced constitutive plant food .
Remove any dead leaves and spent stalks .
harvesting angry walk when they extend to 1/2 inch diameter .
Before frost , prune shuck to 6 inches . Dig up root and overwinter indoors .
In zone 9 - 11 , mulch works in crepuscle for extra frost protection .
begin this yr ’s seminal fluid 8 - 12 weeks before last rime to replace overwintered plants .
Tips for Growing Lemongrass Successfully
pop out more seeds than you need in subject of problems . Germination pace depart .
Do n’t permit seeds dry out during sprouting . They need constant moisture .
Warm soil temperature are critical – use a high temperature mat for best results .
Once spud , prioritise air circulation . Remove domes promptly .
swipe off top growth to promote bushy , full works .
Harvest husk when they are 1/2 inch wide at the basis for good flavor .
In cold climates , overwinter plants indoors in pots near a gay windowpane .
Mist leaves regularly to advance humidity . Lemongrass prefer 40 - 60 % humidity .
Divide overcrowded thump in spring to regenerate plant life and make new ones .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Poor germination – Ensure warm enough soil temps , keep seeds moist .
Leggy seedlings – Not enough light source , use grow lights for 14 + hours per day .
lily-livered leaves – Overwatering , allow territory to dry between waterings .
Few stalks – Needs more sun , fertiliser . Pinch off tops to further newfangled growth .
Stunted plants – Could indicate pitiable drain or root contest . transplanting .
pestilence – Treat aphids with insecticidal soap , slug with diatomaceous earth .
Harvesting and Using Lemongrass
Harvest stalks when they make 1/2 inch diam at the substructure .
utilise sharp scissors or a knife to tailor stalks off at land layer .
Remove tough outer leaf before use . The white inner nucleus is more fond .
Adds awing flavor to Thai curries , soups , teas , and more .
Dries well for teas . Can also be stop dead for later use in recipes .
Entire stalks or chop pieces can be used . Discard before attend to .
The Reward of Growing Lemongrass
Now that you know when and how to start lemongrass seeds indoors , you may calculate forward to months of enjoying this cosmetic , edible skunk . Its alien flavor and fragrance simply ca n’t be duplicate . Homegrown lemongrass is refreshed and be just pennies compared to store prices . Plus you’re able to harvest it anytime you postulate it for your favored recipes . Get your seed started now for the best lemon grass yet this summertime !
How to grow LEMONGRASS from seed to sprout | How to encourage lemongrass seed to germinate quicker
When should I plant lemongrass ?
The fourth dimension for sic lemongrass plants outdoors is similar to the timing for Lycopersicon esculentum planting : when night temperatures are in the 60 ’s . To start with a seed , inseminate indoors in flat three week before the final frost in your growing zone . opt a daub in full Sunday with in effect drainage . It wo n’t grow well in clay and needs rich , fertile , loose dirt .
How long does it take for lemongrass seeds to germinate ?
lemon grass ejaculate burgeon forth easily in two to three weeks in ardent , moist grease . Start seed indoors three weeks before the final frost in your area . Press them 1/8 inch late into a flat fill with sterile potting commixture . Do not treat as these semen need light to pullulate .
How do you plant lemon grass seed ?
1 – Gently press seeds into the soil surface and scantily get over them with soil . The planting depth list on the seminal fluid packet is 1/16 ” because lemongrass seed need light for germination . It only takes 7 to 14 days for the germ to germinate . 2 – Keep the soil at a skillful tropical temperature of 68º to 86 ° degree Fahrenheit .
What temperature do lemon grass seed necessitate to germinate ?
Lemongrass seeds require a minimum temperature of 68 ° -70 ° Fahrenheit ( 20 ° -21 ° Celsius ) to germinate . While waitress for the seed to germinate , it is also important to keep your seed starting medium evenly moist but not waterlogged . Another important note of hand is that lemongrass seeded player need light source to germinate .
