I’ve never been so excited to see grass growing but, as the title says, this is lemongrass! We saw the seed packet in our local garden centre and Emma wanted to give it a go. I have to admit I was sceptical because when a seed company says ‘erratic germination’ and ‘up to 40 days to germinate’ on the packet, I think it’s code for “you’d be lucky”…but we’ve managed to get 3 growing. I shall let you know how it goes. The thought of fresh lemongrass to add to my Thai dishes really appeals. We’re a clearly a long way off harvesting(!) but I was rather excited at the appearance of the first seedlings, so thought I’d report in.
Growing Lemongrass from seed!
April 29, 2011
Hi, I found 3 year old packet of seeds and thought I’d have a go. They all germinated in less than 2 weeks and I had great hopes, tbut hey are now about 2″ high and look a bit weak despite potting on. I think my problem might be aftercare.
Liz
Hi Liz,
Well done on the germination, that’s quite a result, we only got 3 out of about 20 or so seeds. Ours seem to be doing fine (about 4″ high) and growing more stems. We’re keeping them in a greenhouse as they are hot climate plants…where are yours situated? I have to admit that it was a bit of a punt, we’ve not looked into soil requirements etc. Emma saw the packet in a garden center and thought a touch of the exotic would be fun….
A few things to try though… Extra heat and daylight if possible? Try watering them more or less water depending on what you’ve done to date.
Hi, I have now got quite a few healthy little seedlings but little is the operative word. I think I may be keeping them too damp. Some i kept in the greenhouse, and some outside.
I have just potted loads up for village fete tomorrow [3 in 2" pots], to see how everyone gets on! I noticed that the ones in the shade of bigger plants have done rather better, and will try putting in warmer shady place…
How are yours?
Ours are doing great thanks. They’re in the greenhouse and I guess (becuase they’re smaller than the chillis and aubergines etc) are in dappled light…though I’m fairly sure that they are used to strong australian sun…so that shouldn’t be a problem (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvMMN74bAfs ). We’re also having a go at growing them from the supermarket ones, by placing one of the stalks into a glass of water until it roots. We’ll do a post on that and update everyone with the results. Enjoy the fete!
I am really exasperated with mine, and to cap it all I read somewhere that most lemon grass seeds are the ones used for citronella, not the eating variety. I’ve no idea how fast they should be growing but mine will be struggling to reach a reasonable size by the time the frosts start. I don’t know what else to do!
Liz
Hi Liz,
Check the seed packet, that should say whether they are good for culinary use. I’m not sure if they crop in the first year. We’re planning on taking our indoors for the winter and hoping for a crop next year.
David
My seedlings are finally about edible size, just in time for the frosts! I’ve given loads away and my daughter in London has just claimed some more- she has competition from the cats who love it and munch right down to soil level!
Perhaps I will try again next year, and start earlier!
Well done on your crop! We haven’t tried ours yet but we’ve brought it inside for the winter. We’re hoping for a bumper crop next spring. Can’t wait to use it in lots of Thai dishes.