Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon flexuosus. Much sought after in southeast Asian cooking. Also gives landscapes a tropical and exotic feel. Useful as a non-toxic insect repellant and potpourri. When cut, the stalk has an appetizing sweet lemony scent and taste. Tall uniform plants. Germination can be eratic, so plant more seed than you require. Start indoors. Zones 7-9. Approx. 250 seeds/pkg.
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Details
Growing Information
Planting:
Start seeds indoors in late February-mid March. Plant ¼” depth in pre-moistened soil while allowing constant temperature of 21C surrounded by clear plastic dome until seeds have germinated. Keep seed trays in complete darkness until they germinate. Germination takes anywhere between 5-14 days. Once seeds have germinated move to a well lit location and remove clear plastic dome and heat. Once seedlings have reached 6 inches transplant to larger pots or outdoors in full sun if all risk of frost has passed.
Moving Outside:
Gradually adjust your plants to outside conditions over a period of a week or two. First place them outside on a warm, calm day in the shade for a few hours. Work up to more sun, wind, and cooler temperatures and finally leave out overnight. Permanently place or plant them outside after your last spring frost date. Plant in an area that is well drained. Lemon grass grows as a clump form and will not spread shoots. Repels some pests and is ideal to season food or use fresh/dried in teas. Harvest when blades are ½ inch thick. Check moisture levels everyday, and water when neccesary. Continue to fertilize throughout the season.
Pests:
Whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and spider mites.