Lemongrass
Ideal for Stir Fry, Asian Dishes and Teas
With it’s sweet lemony taste lemongrass is a great herb to grow indoors.
However, as it can get quite large (with big roots) we only recommend growing it:
- In soil – using individual pots
- Hydroponic – in individual pots (like the balcony hydroponic kit)
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In this article we will cover
- Where & how to grow lemongrass indoors
- How to use it in recipes
- How to use it to make tea
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Where & how to grow lemongrass indoors
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that can get quite big – which is why it’s best to plant it in individual pots. It’s ideal for a hydroponic system, but we wouldn’t recommend it for aquaponics.
Sow in trays or use organic moistened propagation cubes like to ones available from Amazon (shown right)
Lemongrass seeds will germinate rapidly within three to five days at 18-21ºC. When large enough to handle, pot into individual pots and keep inside, or on your balcony or terrace after the chance of frost has passed.
It will take at least 24 weeks from sowing to cropping – so you will need a bit of patience. Although if you use an hydroponic system the time will be shorter.
Quick guide:
- Plant in individual pots
- Optimal growing temperature is 22 to 35 ºC
- Ideally with a high humidity level
- And full sunlight or high levels of artificial light.
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3 Ways you can grow lemongrass indoors
How to harvest lemongrass
The video below shows how to harvest your lemongrass for use:
How to use lemongrass in recipes
Even the leaves of young seedlings will have the fresh pungent flavor of lemongrass, so you can start using it in ingredients as soon as you have enough foliage to cut for use.
The video below will show you how to use fresh lemongrass in recipes.
However you can also dry them for use in winter, as the flavour will remain. If you want to dry them, then gather in sunshine when flowers are just opening. Then bunch and hang them upside-down in an airy place. Leave them to dry and when dry, rub coarsely and store in airtight containers.
How to cut lemongrass
Typical lemongrass recipes
Lemongrass is an essential ingredient for stir fries and other oriental recipes. It is commonly used in soups and curries. And is great when used with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood.
For example:
- Chilli and lemongrass chicken
- Thai chicken noodle soup with lemongrass
- Vietnamese lemongrass and chilli steamed fish
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How to make lemongrass tea
Or alternatively lemongrass is often used as a tea in many African & Latin American countries (Ghana, Congo, Mexico, etc.).
For example:
- Ghana Lemongrass Tea (with Pineapple & Lime)
- Lemongrass and Mint Tea
- Mexican Lemongrass Tea (Lemon Verbena)
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How to start
Hopefully our guide showing how to grow lemongrass indoors has helped.