Here is a detailed description of the Lemongrass plant:
🌿 Lemongrass Overview:
Common Name: Lemongrass
Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus (culinary type), Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian type)
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Type: Perennial grass in warm climates; grown as an annual in cooler areas
🌾 Plant Characteristics:
Height: Typically 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 meters) tall
Spread: Clump-forming, about 2–4 feet wide
Growth Habit: Tall, upright, fountain-like clumps
🍃 Foliage:
Leaves: Long, slender, arching leaves with a strong lemon scent
Color: Green to bluish-green, sometimes with reddish tints
Texture: Rough-edged; may cause skin irritation
🌱 Stems and Roots:
Stems: Thick, bulbous at the base; the lower stalk is used in cooking
Roots: Shallow, fibrous root system; spreads via clumping
🌼 Flowers:
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers in cultivation, especially in temperate regions
Flower Type: Small, feathery, insignificant; grown mainly for foliage
🌞 Growing Conditions:
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil; slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0)
Water: Regular watering, especially in dry climates; prefers moist but not soggy soil
USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 9–11; overwinter indoors or as an annual elsewhere
🌿 Uses:
Culinary: Widely used in Asian cuisines, especially Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes
Medicinal: Traditionally used for digestion, fever reduction, and aromatherapy
Ornamental: Attractive in herb gardens and containers
Repellent: Natural mosquito repellent due to citronella content
🌱 Care Tips:
Fertilizer: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer
Pruning: Trim back old leaves and harvest stalks regularly to encourage new growth
Division: Easily propagated by dividing mature clumps
Pests/Disease: Generally pest-free but can be affected by rust or root rot if overwatered