Depending on the source, you can purchase lemon grass seeds or potted seedlings. If you know someone who has a plant you can start your own from a bulb. Detach one or more bulbs from the host plant. Place the bulb end in a rooting hormone powder such as (Rootone) then plant in a pot filled with vermiculite, moist sand, or any seed starting material. Keep the medium most but not soggy. Another method is to place the bulb end in a small container (such as a jar) of water and allow the bulb to root. Then transplant. If your "benefactor" is very generous you can divide a large "clump" of grass. Pot and keep moist until you seen new growth. Then move to the garden.
Morgan Thompson Seed
Sow from late January to March on the surface of a good seed compost just covering the seed with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Germination takes 21-40 days at 20-25C (70-75F). Sealing in a polyethylene bag after sowing is helpful. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings to boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots. When well grown gradually acclimates to outdoor conditions and plant out in late spring 30cm (12in) apart after all risk of frost, in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun and moist, well drained soil. Keep well watered and give the occasional liquid feed. To over winter, lift in early autumn, pot up and grow through the winter in a greenhouse with a minimum winter temperature of 7C (45F). Keep well watered throughout the summer, just moist through the winter.
Pull a stalk up firmly close to the root end and snap it off. Best picked just prior to using.
Cooking Tip (Bruising)
"Bruising" is a common term found in recipes that call for using lemon grass. This process releases the flavor of the grass just as you would do with garlic. Simply press down on the bulb end of the lemon grass with the side of a large knife (such as a Chef's knife) or pound lightly with a kitchen mallet.
Medicinal and Other Uses
This grass is rich in a substance called citral, the active ingredient in lemon peel. This substance is said to aid in digestion as well as relieve spasms, muscle cramps, rheumatism and headaches.
Lemon grass is also used commercially as the lemon scent in many products including soaps, perfumes and candles. A related plant, (Cymbopogon nardus) is the ingredient in citronella candles sold to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.
