Cymbopogon citratus LEMON GRASS (20 seeds)

Madagascar Lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus in Latin, is a fast-growing tropical perennial plant from the grass family (Poaceae). This fragrant variety, originally from Southeast Asia, grows in mild climates worldwide. Its development is limited, reaching about 1 meter in both height and width.

Lemongrass seeds are brown, thin, long, and very light. They measure 3 to 5 millimeters in length and are easily dispersed by the wind. Its leaves are 30 cm long, thin with sharp edges, stiff, and light green in color.

Its foliage grows in a dense clump for 3 to 4 years and is harvested 3 times a year. Its pleasant scent is fresh, green, and lemony.

- Uses:

It is used in African and Asian cuisine to flavor fish marinades, meats, soups, and stir-fries, providing a fresh, citrusy flavor. Its fragrant leaves are consumed as herbal teas or infusions, renowned for their relaxing and digestive effects.

In medicine, it aids digestion and soothes intestinal pain after heavy meals. In case of fever, an infusion of its foliage appears to be very effective. Finally, it is well-known for its effectiveness as an insect repellent, particularly against mosquitoes.

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The best time to sow Madagascar Lemongrass starts in early May.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of finely sifted horticultural potting soil.
• Cover them with 1 to 2 millimeters of substrate.
• Water the culture gently by spraying.
• Place the tray in a warm greenhouse at a temperature of 30°C.
• Germination generally takes 3 to 4 weeks. It is crucial to keep the culture warm and slightly moist throughout the process.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It can be grown as an annual directly in the ground or as a perennial in a pot (to be brought indoors in winter). For optimal development, it requires a rich, fresh, and well-drained substrate. A mix of 1/3 sand, 1/3 horticultural soil, and 1/3 compost is recommended.

- Exposure / Light:

Due to its exotic origin, it loves bright light. Plant it in a very sunny location. For indoor cultivation, this fragrant plant grows very well under horticultural LEDs.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

Its growth temperature is between 15 and 35°C. Below this, growth stops. It is non-hardy and fears the cold, especially frost. It is imperative to bring the plant indoors during winter. Its USDA hardiness zone is 9.

- Irrigation / Watering:

This variety needs regular water to grow quickly, although it is drought-tolerant and recovers easily. In the ground, water the base twice a week after planting for the first month. In pots, watering every 2 days is recommended. Never allow water to stagnate.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

The easiest and most effective method is dividing the clump at the end of the year. It can also be propagated by seeds.

- Pests and Diseases:

It is not very sensitive to pests or fungal attacks, but it can occasionally be affected by rust or powdery mildew. Both are easily treated with Bordeaux mixture.

- Maintenance:

Regularly prune yellow leaves throughout the year and apply slow-release fertilizer pellets twice a year.