Easy to Grow
Yes, it's true, Lemongrass is an unbelievably easy plant to grow and a beautiful addition to any garden. If you know someone who has one, like the one shown here, ask if you can transplant some roots. The stalks are plentiful and the rooting system is endless. Once they start , they really take off and grow into such a lovely flowing display of aromatic perfection. Water early in the morning and again as the sun is going down. Full sunlight is best for Lemongrass. The sparkling shine on the stalk's slender leaves from the sun's rays are simply splendid.Transplanting Lemongrass
My husband's step-mother is from Thailand and she was nice enough to share her Lemongrass roots
which came from her awe-inspiring garden of delights. Once the roots
are placed in the ground, it will go through a shock phase. The newly
planted lemongrass may look dilapidated, malnourished, neglected and you
may even receive comments from visitors like, "What's that?" with great
facial concerns, but take courage and remember the key ingredients:
water and sunshine.
Coming to Life
You will start to witness the vivaciousness of these plants coming to life in about 4-5 months, maybe even sooner depending on conditions. Since transplanting the two initial Lemongrass roots about 6-8 months ago, our garden now houses five fully grown and six newly transplanted. As mentioned, once they have taken root and start looking healthy, uproot some stalks and move them into desirable locations for example near walk-ways where you will be able to smell their essence.
Lemongrass Tea
- To start, simply use sturdy gardening or regular scissors to slice some stalk. In this example, I cut only two. Try to go as far down to the bottom of the stalk as possible because it's in these juicy parts where you find all the goodness.
- Add water in a pot and bring to boil (while you're waiting, continue to next step)
- Rinse the Lemongrass in cold water
- Remove the husky portions around the root. There's typically three of these to one stalk.
- Cut the leaves from the root. The root will have a pale light greenish color, almost white looking.
- Cut roots in small portions as shown in photo
- Slice the middle of root (like a garlic) to get the juices flowing
- Add Pieces to water and boil medium to high for 10-12 minutes
Extra Flavor
Add at least 5-6 stalks for a deeper aroma and an especially lasting
flavor, Combine other tea flavors with the fresh Lemongrass like Good
Earth's spicy cinnamon tea or Earl Grey. In addition, add herbs from
around the house like spearmint or peppermint. And make sure to add a
little splash of honey to your cup before pouring the hot water. This
always assures a sweet ending.