Lemongrass is a perennial tropical herbwith a citrus aroma and flavor that boasts many usance in the kitchen . The herbaceous plant is delicious in teas , which are often used medicinally to handle headaches and stomachaches . It is also a key element in many Southeast Asian dishes , including soups , curries , and salads .

While it is common togrow lemongrass plantsaround garden borders todeter uncouth pestsandimprove concealment , you might not have the space to accommodate the large plant life . fortuitously , you may still grow the operative and ornamental beauty in pots , taking up little space in your home or backyard .

Why Grow Lemongrass in Pots?

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Lemongrass grows very quickly and will cover any ground where plants are n’t already grow , attain 6 foot in peak and 6 feet in spread . This can be problematical if plants in your garden have n’t quite sprouted . Byplanting in a container , you could contain the maturation of the industrial plant and leave your garden beds to other herbs , fruit , veggies , shrubs , and prime .

Also , save the herb in pots means it is approachable class - circular . By institute in a container , you could place it strategically for easy entree from the dusty open air to your kitchen . This is because lemongrass oil can not withstand temperature below 50 degree Fahrenheit . Temperatures between 77 to 86 degree Fahrenheit are best .

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Tips for Growing Lemongrass in Pots

Now that you know why growing lemongrass in pots might be correct for you , here ’s how to get the plants begin . find out all about the top precaution tip below !

Choosing a Container

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opt a container is one of the most significant things to keep in head when growing lemongrass oil in throne . Look for a 5 gallon wad that is about 14 inches in diameter since a stool any smaller could bring out as the roots develop . instead , you could farm in a smaller pot and transplant into a larger size as the roots grow . Apot with drainageholes is essential to prevent overwatering . Terracotta or claywork well as they engross special wet .

Note : recall the plant is toxic to children and animals , so place it somewhere out of reach .

asparagus in raised bed

Soil and Fertilizer

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High quality potting mix comprise ofrich , loamy soilandorganic matteris nonpareil for growing lemongrass oil in pots . Make certain you plant only one angry walk in each pot to forfend overcrowding , which could stunt growth . Ensure the root system is about an inch below the grime open . Poorly draining , clay soil can lead in root rot because of a lack of drain .

During the summertime month ( June through September),fertilize your lemongrassplant weekly with abalanced fertilizerthat has a 15 - 15 - 15 conceptualisation . If the flora is indoors , fertilize monthly instead .

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constitutive fertilizers are best if you are using your lemongrass for cooking .

Sunlight and Watering

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Lemongrass requires a warm , sunny localisation to expand . So , place your lemongrass in a well - fire up location outside with eight or more hr of sun per day , or office in a due south - look windowpane indoors . It may blister if it gets too much sun , so look at target the bay window in nuance in the good afternoon .

Lemongrass is brave in geographical zone 9b to 11 andwill overwinter . If you desire to remain growing the plant or live in a different zone , wreak the pot indoors .

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The herbaceous plant is moderately drought tolerant , though watering when the top inch of soil is dry is best . think of to check out daily . deflect letting the works sit in wet soil as the root do not appreciate too much moisture . Begin bywatering once per weekand correct your schedule establish on conditions . recollect thatcontainer plants normally need wateringmore regularly since the small amount of soil dry out out quicker .

Harvesting

Harvesting lemongrassfrom container is the same as harvesting lemon grass from the footing . The herbaceous plant is generally ready for harvest about three to four calendar month after embed , or when the stubble arrive at about a foot in altitude . Remove the husk one at a time with a sharp , clean tongue orpruning shears . Cut the leaf near the base of the stalk , wash , and then use as you wish .

Propagating Lemongrass

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Remember , you do n’t need seeds to grow your own lemongrass ! rather , develop it from scrapsby propagating a stalk from your local grocery store . reckon for a still hunt that still has some of the root attached at the memory board , though roots should grow disregardless . Remove the tough outer leaf and pose the shuck in a jolt filled halfway withwater for propagation .

Place the jar in a location with six hour of sunlight per day and shift the water daily . New roots will spring up within about a workweek and the lemon grass stalk will beready for transplantingin three weeks .

Woman holding a pot with the lemongrass

Happy Growing!

It is no secret that fresh herbs make the meal , so why not mature your own in accessible containers ? Whether you place them in a windowsill or on your terrace , lemongrass oil plants fill the air with a lovely citrus fruit aroma . Growing the herb in potsis convenient and also assure the plant wo n’t take over your garden . Plus , if you hold up somewhere a picayune cool , you’re able to fetch it indoors and continue to revel it .

Stacks of terracotta pots

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Lemongrass stalks