Lemongrass is a type of herb that is a great addition to any kitchen. It has been used in cooking for centuries, as it has culinary and medicinal value. Consider adding this versatile herb to your cooking with these three tips on how to grow lemongrass seeds.
If you’re like us here at Seeds Every Season, there’s something about lemongrass that has us rethinking our lives. Maybe it’s because its smell is so intoxicating, or maybe it’s because of the fact that it’s a herb with culinary and medicinal purposes. Regardless, this herb has been used in cooking for centuries, and if you’re like us here at Seeds Every Season, we think you should be growing lemongrass.
What Is Lemongrass Seeds?
Lemongrass is a herbaceous perennial plant that has been used in cooking and medicine for centuries. It is native to the Asian tropics and can grow up to 20 feet in height, depending on the variety, but typically stays much shorter. Lemongrass is also extremely easy, and quick to grow.
Lemongrass has culinary and medicinal purposes. Lemongrass originates from Southeast Asia where it was used as a medicine throughout the ancient world. Its medicinal properties include:
- Stomach Ailment Reliever
Lemongrass is believed to relieve stomach ailments such as nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhea.
It is also used to treat fevers and other infections by helping the body with its ability to heal. Lemongrass tea can be used in place of traditional over-the-counter medicines. The best way to get these benefits is by drinking tea made from lemongrass leaves or using more of it in your cooking.
- Antibiotic
Lemongrass tea is also used in treating a bug bite and infection.
- Mucus Fluid and Skin Moisturizer
Lemongrass tea works wonders on skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and insect bites. It is believed to be very effective in helping with these conditions because it increases the amount of moisture on your skin which can help stop itching and reduce rashes. Lemongrass is also used to help build up mucus that is in your throat, which can be very useful for treating colds and other infections.
- For Your Hair
Lemongrass oil can be used in the treatment of dandruff or any type of hair loss.
It helps when applied to the scalp and then left on for a few minutes before being washed out completely. It leaves your hair feeling extremely soft and smelling great!
- As a Deodorizer
The smell of lemongrass is a fantastic way to add fragrance to your home without using any chemicals or scents that are not natural.
- As a Facial Mask
Lemongrass tea is extremely refreshing and effective when used as a facial mask. It’s believed that lemongrass has many therapeutic and healing qualities for your skin, which is why it works so well as an anti aging treatment.
How To Planting The Seeds
- Select The Best Location
Lemongrass seeds can be planted in a variety of locations. However, the best place to plant them is an area that receives full sun, but is also protected from strong winds and drying. If you are planting your seeds in areas that are windy or dry, consider using some kind of mulch underneath your plants to help keep the area moist and increase humidity. You may want to consider using a container for your lemongrass plants as well.
- Prepare the Seeds
Before planting the seeds, you must first prepare them to ensure they will grow successfully. First, soak them in a bowl of water for 4-12 hours. If you are using a container for your lemongrass plant, you can plant the seeds directly into the container’s soil. If not, give your lemongrass plants a head start by potting them into a container before planting outside.
- Plant Your Seeds
Make sure that your seeds are all at the same depth and position, especially if you are placing them in containers. You can use the back of a spoon to make a hole in the soil where each seed will be planted individually. Cover the seeds with soil, being careful not to cover them too much or they may not germinate. Water your lemongrass seeds well and keep them moist until they sprout.
- Be Patient
It may take a few weeks for your lemongrass seeds to germinate. Be patient, as lemongrass is not a plant that can grow fast. Make sure that you have plenty of sunlight and water until they start growing.
- Caring For Your Lemongrass Plants
Lemongrass plants require very little care once they have sprouted. Water them regularly and make sure that they receive plenty of sunlight. To ensure that your plants will be able to grow to their full potential, you should also add some fertilizer around the base of your plants about once a month.
- Harvesting Your Lemongrass Plants
Lemongrass seeds can be harvested when the plant reaches anywhere from 6 inches to 2 feet tall, depending on the variety you are growing.
How To Care Lemongrass Seeds
- Grow In Sunlight
You will need to grow your lemongrass seeds in a large container filled with potting soil. If you opt not to use a container, make sure that you are using an area that gets plenty of sunlight for about 6-8 hours.
- Add Water
To ensure that you will have a strong and healthy lemongrass plant, you should regularly water the soil until the seeds have sprouted and begun to grow.
- Add Fertilizer
Your lemongrass plant should be fertilized every few weeks with balanced fertilizer in order to maintain it’s health and keep it from dying.
- Harvest When Ready
You can harvest your lemongrass seeds when they reach about 6 inches tall, but typically you will want to wait until their second year for them to reach full potential. You can cut off the seed heads and use them fresh or dry them before storing either way works great!