{"id":1415,"date":"2014-01-29T09:00:13","date_gmt":"2014-01-28T21:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growgoodnz.co.nz\/?p=1415"},"modified":"2014-01-29T09:00:13","modified_gmt":"2014-01-28T21:00:13","slug":"growing-lemongrass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growgoodnz.co.nz\/growing-tips\/growing-lemongrass\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing lemongrass"},"content":{"rendered":"

Growing Lemongrass<\/h1>\n

Mmmmm\u2026 lemongrass \u2026. I love the sweet, pungent, tangy citrus fragrance of lemongrass. It is used in many Asian cuisines but is most often associated with Thai and Vietnamese food. Lemongrass is usually used as a herb but also makes a great tea. Growing lemongrass is extremely easy even for gardening novices . Lemongrass was originally a native of India and Sri Lanka but is now grown in most of Asia. Growing lemongrass can easily be done throughout New Zealand. A single plant will grow for several years but needs to be taken indoors during frosty months. Lemongrass grows easily in the warmer parts of the country. The plant doesn’t win any awards for beauty \u2013 it looks like a waist high patch of grass.<\/p>\n

At the base of the plant there is a plump stalk similar to a spring onion. This bulb is used for cooking purposes.<\/p>\n

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Growing Conditions<\/a><\/h2>\n

Plant from October to March. \u00a0Warm and humid conditions with plenty of moisture and slightly acidic conditions are best for growing lemongrass. They fare best if grown in a container that can be brought indoors in winter so are perfect for growing in GreenSmart pots. I have had inconsistent results from growing seeds.It is easiest to get started by just rooting stalks or cuttings. Buy some regular firm, green lemongrass from the supermarket or grocer. Snip off three to four cm above the base and soak the base end in a glass of water in a sunny spot until roots appear after a couple of weeks. The plant will be ready to plant out in your GreenSmart pot when the roots are at least two cm long. Here is a video showing you how to do it.<\/p>\n