Growing West Indian Lemongrass Herb Garden Seeds
How to Grow West Indian Culinary Lemon Grass from Seed
West Indian lemon grass is a warm season full-sun favorite that grows and performs similar to chives, able to be sown directly or started indoors for transplanting and propogation. Lemongrass seeds are known for a tenacious vigor and require little attention once established. West Indian Lemongrass is a greenhouse favorite and keep watered for best flavor. Lemongrass is able to be potted and grown both indoors and outdoors like many annual herbs, provided lemon receives plenty of sun.
Plant 2-3 seeds .25 inch deep per cell or 2-4 in. apart in the garden in fertilized, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Germinates in 10-28 days, thin to 1 per pot or 4-6 inches apart in the garden as true leaves establish. Try growing West Indian Lemongrass in a portable pot or container for easy seasonal herbs.
Edible West Indian Lemongrass in the Garden
West Indian Lemon grass is the edible and tender alternative to the more fibrous East Indian lemongrass. While both seeds mature to look nearly identical to one another, West Indian lemongrasss is exclusively grown for its edible minty citrus blades of grass.
Gardeners in warmer climates with temperate winters may grow West Indian lemongrass year-round as both a culinary herb and 24-48" tall ornamental grass similar to festuca grass.
About West Indian Lemon Grass Seeds
Cymbopogon citratus. (90-100 days).
This tropical grassy, bright green, perennial plant is a key ingredient in Asian cuisine.
Germination 7-10 days
Start seeds indoors, on a heating mat or atop of the fridge, cover with plastic wrap, keep seeds moist at 68 degrees with plenty of light.
Once the seedling appears, remove the plastic, keeping the seeds moist but not soaked.
When soil temperatures maintain 70 degrees, transplant seedlings into patio pots, or in the ground.
Ready for use in 90-100 days.
Lemongrass has fresh, lemony scent, which is why is it widely used in fragrances and soaps.
For culinary uses, try it in soups, marinades, salad dressings and of course stir-frys! Plus it freezes well!
