How to Grow Lemon Grass

The stems of this tender aromatic herb have a tangy lemon taste. Fresh stems, available in many Asian grocery stores and supermarkets, root easily to create new plants. Select firm stems that have a woody, light brown base.

When to Plant: Early spring
At Its Best: All year round
Time to Complete: 30 minutes

Materials Needed:

• fresh lemon grass stems
• glass or jar of water
• sharp knife
• 3-in. plastic pots

• soil-based potting mix
• liquid houseplant fertilizer
• decorative indoor plante

Root the Stems

Buy fresh lemon grass stems and put the bulbous ends in a jar of water. Stand them on a bright windowsill for a few weeks until a good root system has developed. Change the water weekly.

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Trim and Plant

Fill small pots with soil-based potting mix. Trim off the top of each stem and pot the young plants up. Water well, and keep on a warm, sunny windowsill, or in a greenhouse.

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Care and Maintenance

Water well during summer, and apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Move them up into larger pots as they grow. In winter, keep the soil just moist. To harvest, cut the stems close to the roots.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited