Lemon Grass Plant

How to Plant Lemongrass Plant Saplings

• Choose a site with well-drained and fertile soil and a sunny location.
• If you are planting in the ground, loosen the soil and dig a hole slightly larger than your root ball.
• For containers, use a grow bag or pot at least 14 inches in diameter and 14 inches deep (1.2 ft x 1.2 ft) with drainage holes.
• Add some good potting soil to the container, then place the sapling in the middle.
• Cover the kesavardhini roots with soil, press lightly, and water immediately to help settle the roots.
• Maintain moist soil until the lemongrass plant is established.

• Space multiple plants about 1 foot apart if planting more than one.

Lemongrass Plant Care

• Temperature: Appropriate for warm weather (20 -35 °C).
• Soil: Needs rich, well-drained soil.
• Water: Water moderately, never allow to dry out or become waterlogged. Decrease water in rainy season.
• Light: Needs partial shade to full sun for good growth.
• Pruning: Prune old, dry leaves regularly to stimulate new shoots and denser growth.
• Care: Care-Free Plant; Perfect For The Home Gardener or The Herb Lover.
• Fertiliser: Apply organic compost or cow dung manure at the rate of once every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Pest Control: Spray neem oil or mild organic pesticides as a preventive for common pests such as aphids or mites.

Potting Mix for the Lemongrass Plant

• Mix equal parts garden soil, cocopeat and organic compost for best results.

• Make sure the potting mix is light, airy and well-draining.

• Add neem cake or powder to ward off fungus and insect pests in the soil.

Uses of Lemongrass Plant

• It is good for high blood pressure and it is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, detoxifying, etc.
• Lemongrass tea is used to treat digestive issues, stress and to enhance immunity.
• It is also good for respiratory ailments such as cough and cold because of its soothing aroma and medicinal values.
• It helps naturally in alleviating fever and headaches.
• Enhances Your Digestive, Immune, and Respiratory Systems.
• Popular in essential oils, herbal teas, soaps, and skin care.
• Lemongrass oil is also used in aromatherapy as a relaxant and insect repellent.
• Very popular in cooking, particularly Thai and Asian, for its citrus flavor.
• Lemongrass tea or products made from lemongrass extract should be taken in limited quantities.
• Always seek advice of a healthcare professional or ayurvedic paediatrician for correct dosage and usage, more so if it’s for medicinal usage.

Benefits of Lemongrass Plant

• It is a natural cleanser and aids in digestion.

• Encourages a sense of calm and stress relief with its relaxing scent.

• Contributes to building a strong immune system and combating infections.

• Mosquitos and insects are repelled naturally by keeping indoors.

• Low maintenance, perfect for home or kitchen gardens.

FAQs for Lemongrass Plant

1. What can I do with lemongrass?
   Lemongrass is known for killing germs and aiding the digestive system, so it is a popular ingredient in teas, cooking, skincare, and herbal remedies.
2. Can I make tea out of lemongrass?
   Yes, lemongrass tea is made with fresh as well as dried lemongrass stalks.
3. Does lemongrass repel insects?
   Yes it does have citronella in it which is a natural insect repellant including mosquitoes when you grow them or use the oil.
4. Does lemongrass grow in pots?
   Absolutely! Lacking feet for walking, lemongrass has to rely on plenty of light and air for growing well in containers.
5. How long does it take for lemongrass to grow?
   It starts growing within a couple of weeks, and it’s ready to be harvested in three to four months.
6. Is lemongrass safe for children and animals?
   In most cases, it’s not harmful to consume the drug, but you shouldn’t consume large amounts of it.
7. Where can I find a lemongrass plant?
   BharathGreens brings you fresh, live, and organically cultivated plants, and for us to now be able to purchase a lemongrass plant online from them is a great boon!
8. How often do I water per week?
   Water every two to three days, depending on the weather. To prevent root rot, don’t let the soil get too moist.
9. What is the best soil for lemongrass?
   Using organic compost, vermicompost or balanced NPK liquid fertilizer is sufficient once in a month.
10. Can you grow lemongrass indoors?
    Yes, for plants that require full sun, you need to provide 6 hours of sunlight or grow light daily.
11. How do I harvest lemongrass?
    Harvest when the stalks are 12 inches tall by cutting them off at the base. You can use them fresh or dry.
12. Can I grow lemongrass in winter?
    Lemongrass cannot tolerate frost. During winter, either bring the pot in or cover it.
13. What type of soil is best for lemongrass?
    It prefers well drained, light, and rich in organic matter, sandy loam or clay loam soil.
14. Does lemongrass attract insects?
    Not very. It rarely has pests but sometimes gets aphids or rust fungus. Neem oil – Treats them.