Lemongrass Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Lemongrass Seeds - Additional information

How to Grow Lemongrass

Planting Schedule: Begin your lemongrass journey by sowing seeds indoors during the late winter months. Wait to move them outside until the nightly temperatures consistently stay above 10°C (50°F), ensuring a warm enough environment for growth.


Seed Starting:
Gently press the seeds into a pre-moistened, sterilized seed starting mix, covering them lightly, about 5mm (1/4 inch) deep. Utilize seedling trays covered with plastic domes or place containers inside large plastic bags to maintain moisture, employing a Seedling Heat Mat to achieve a steady soil temperature of 21°C (70°F).

Store in a dark space until germination occurs within 5 to 21 days, aiming for a moist environment. Once sprouts emerge, introduce them to full sunlight or strong artificial light, removing any coverings.


Growing:
Acclimatize seedlings to outdoor conditions in early summer, progressively exposing them to full sunlight and cooler air. Transplant your plants into large, 5-gallon containers, incorporating 1/2 cup of a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer like Alfalfa Meal or Blood Meal into the soil beforehand. Maintain soil moisture with frequent watering, especially during warm weather.

As cooler evenings return, prepare lemongrass for overwintering by trimming plants to 15-20cm (6-8 inches) and moving them to a frost-free, well-lit area. Minimize watering to maintain slightly moist soil and pause fertilization.


Harvesting:
Harvest lemongrass by cutting stalks close to the base when they reach a thickness of at least 15mm (1/2 inch).

Stalks can be dried for making tea or bundled and frozen, preserving their citrusy flavour for soups and curries throughout the winter.

Lemongrass Pests & Diseases

Spider Mites:
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause lemongrass leaves to turn yellow and drop.

Keep the area around plants clean and weed-free. Periodically, use a strong spray of water to knock mites off plants.

Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to infested plants. Ensure thorough coverage of the undersides of leaves where mites reside.


Rust:
Rust appears as small, orange or brown pustules on the undersides of leaves, potentially reducing plant vigour.

Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering.

Prune affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Apply a fungicide registered for edible plants, following label directions carefully.


Leaf Blight:
This fungal disease causes dark, water-soaked spots on leaves, which can lead to significant leaf loss.

Space plants properly to improve air circulation and use drip irrigation to keep foliage dry.

Remove and destroy affected foliage. In severe cases, apply a copper-based fungicide, adhering to application instructions for safe use.