We all know grasses that can grow despite harsh climates, poor soil and without much input. Lemongrass is a beautiful grass with similar cultivation patterns, deilicious health benefits and absolutely a plant to consider adding to your landscape!
Lemongrass will grow year round in milder climates or can easily be harvested and kept indoors
until spring to replant if you live in a northern climate. Care should be taken when handling lemongrass because the leaves can be very sharp and will easily give "paper" cuts all over your hands. Lemongrass stalks are typically harvested mid-October, although with a large enough plant you can harvest for many weeks/months if you're using it fresh.
To utilize fresh lemongrass for cooking, it is typically the bottom 3-5 inches of the
stalk that are used. Peel away the tough outer leaves to reveal the soft, green onion-like stalk. The stalks can be 'smashed' with the back of a knife and added to soups or finely minced to use for stir fry or salad dressings.
Lemongrass is a powerful antifungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant herb. Lemongrass has been used to reduce cholesteral and treat coronary heart disease. It's antibiotic properties have been shown to be effective against E.coli, pneumonia and even urinary tract infections.
This video is a great overview of different ways to grow, harvest and use lemongrass: https://youtu.be/w0FYA9lfrR0?si=TTBAkhgLKU9rnFkw
Enjoy!
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