Lemongrass East Indian

Germination

Lemongrass can be difficult to germinate but just a few plants achieved from your packet of seeds should satisfy your needs. Sow indoors. Surface sow in an 8cm pot of moist, warm, well-drained seed compost. Cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. If soil becomes dry water sparingly from below. Propagate 20-22°C or seal in a plastic bag and place on a warm windowsill. temp. must remain constant for germination. If the soil gets too hot the seed will enter dormancy. Germination takes 21-40 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual 8cm pots. Grow on in cooler conditions. Acclimatise and plant out when danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers full sun, with moist but not waterlogged soil. Can be container grown in a 30cm pot in the greenhouse, conservatory or on the patio. Keep well watered and liquid feed occasionally.

Cultivation

Frost tender so if grown outside must be lifted and potted before the first frosts. Keep inside with a min temp. of 7°C. Propagate by splitting the plant in early spring. To harvest cut stems at ground level.