Lemongrass

Aromatic grass with a strong lemon flavour. A tropical plant native to many parts of Asia, it is used extensively for flavouring Asian dishes, a refreshing tea with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and in perfume.

For a quick tea, pick a leaf, shred lengthways to expose oil capillaries and pour on boiling water leaving to infuse for several minutes.

Beekeepers sometimes use lemon grass oil in swarm traps to attract swarms.

Transplant out as clumps leaving for 2-3 months to bulk up before harvesting. Plants will winter over in warmer areas and care should be taken not to divide clumps too early in spring.

Surface Sow: Requires light to germinate. Scatter seed on the surface. Press seed down into the soil.  Keep moist.

Germination Capacity: An erratic germinator, this variety is naturally low in germination capacity. Up to 30-60% germination can be expected.