Harvesting and Using Lemongrass

Lemongrass is an easy to grow herb that you may have never heard of. Harvesting and using lemongrass is so easy and has tons of health benefits. Whether you decide to use it in tea, or cook with it, this is a plant you will want in your garden from now on!

The first time I had ever heard of lemongrass was on the back of an herbal tea ingredient list. I then found the seeds while scrolling through MIGardener and knew I had to try and grow some for myself. I am so glad I did!

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a tropical grass that grows as a perennial in zones 8 and higher. It has a lemony scent when crushed that is oh so heavenly if you ask me. Lemongrass thrives in warmer, more humid climates, but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. It can grow up to 5′ feet tall!

While lemongrass makes a great ornamental plant, it’s also used in many other ways. Lemongrass is used as a medicinal herb and also for flavor in many Asian dishes, especially Thai recipes. The oils also work as an antisceptic.

Health benefits of lemongrass

Lemongrass has antioxidant properties as well as antimicrobial properties. On top of that, it’s also very anti-inflammatory. It is also found to help maintain cholesterol levels and works well as a diuretic.

Historically, lemongrass has been used to fight fevers, stomach issues and insomnia. It has also been used to keep mosquitos at bay. It’s actually closely related to citronella. I have to say though, it has not worked as a mosquito repellant in my garden, but maybe I need to grow more of it.

Lemongrass is also nutritious, containing vitamins A, B vitamins, C and folate. On top of all that, lemongrass’s citrusy scent makes it great for calming anxiety and fighting fatigue.

How to grow lemongrass

This was my first year growing lemongrass, and for me it was very hands off. I started my lemongrass from seed inside and transplanted when it was around 8″ inches tall. The only maintenance I had to do was make sure it was watered regularly.

Lemongrass does like moist soil and warm temperatures. I also found that it does not like heavy clay soil. I planted three plants, one in my flower bed which is heavily clay and it did poorly. The two I planted in my raised bed thrived! Like most plants, it prefers rich soil. It also needs to be in full sun.

Lemongrass can be bought in pots from nurseries. You can transplant it into a larger pot, or into the ground. You can also propagate lemongrass from a stalk. To do this, you can either propagate with water or soil. Once it forms roots, transplant.

If you know someone who already has a clump of lemongrass, you can divide that in the spring and plant. This would probably be the most hands off way of getting lemongrass started in your garden.

Harvesting and using lemongrass in your garden

You can harvest lemongrass as you need it throughout the summer. However, you will want to harvest the rest before your first frost and preserve it. You will want to leave leaves on your lemongrass if you plan to overwinter it. You can then trim it down in the spring after danger of frost has passed. If your climate is warm enough, it should start producing stalks again.

Harvesting lemongrass is easy, but you will want to wear gloves, or be very careful because the blades are sharp and can leave little cuts (I learned this the hard way after ignoring advice). If I don’t have gloves within reach, I carefully harvest the stalks and leave the leaves attached until I can carefully cut them off inside.

For tea, you will harvest the leaves. You can also use the stalks, but these are better (more flavorful) for cooking. Simply cut the leaves, just above the stalk and dry inside like you would any other herb. You can then cut it up and store in a glass jar with an airtight lid.

To harvest the stalks, you will cut the stalk just above the ground. Then peel off the outer leaves. If you want, you can freeze your stalks like this. Mincing before freezing is also an option. Another option is to dehydrate your lemongrass at 115 degrees. However, lemongrass stalks do stay good in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Lemongrass for tea

When harvesting the leaves for tea, wash them and hang them up to dry. You can also dehydrate them, but you do lose some of it’s properties if the heat is too high. I prefer hanging them, partly because I think it retains it’s flavor better, but also because I think it looks pretty in my kitchen!

To make lemongrass tea, cut the leaves into 2″ sections, place in a tea bag and steep for 5-8 minutes. Remove the bag and enjoy!

Lemongrass for cooking

We add lemongrass to our Thai curry for a more authentic taste. It can also be used in place of ginger if you are out. The leaves and stalks are both excellent for flavoring soups and broths. Although the flavor is mild, it does give soups a lemony flavor. If using the leaves to flavor a soup or broth, just remove the leaves before eating. The stalks minced also taste great on salads!

I hope this has convinced you to grow lemongrass in your own garden. Let me know if you have any delicious ways that you use lemongrass. If you want another recipe using garden herbs, check out my basil iced tea here or DIY garlic powder here!