Does Lemon Grass Come Back Every Year?

Characteristics

• East Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and West Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) are often sold as the same plant and are used interchangeably. A tall, aromatic sedge that in warm, humid conditions grows 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, lemon grass is easy to grow. Common commercial varieties include Sugandi, a red-stemmed plant with high oil yield; Pragati, a tall, purple-leaved variety; and Praman, with an upright habit and high oil yield.

Culture

• Plant lemon grass in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. Soil temperatures should be above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and night temperatures should be in the 50s. Amend the soil with compost to provide rich, well-drained conditions. Lemon grass requires consistent water and fertilizer. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. To keep the plant over winter, pot a division and bring it indoors to a south- or west-facing window.

Uses

• Lemon grass can be used when the stalks have reached ½ inch thick. Cut the stem at ground level, beneath the bulbous base. Remove outer leaves. The stalks are chopped and cooked for use in soups, salads and stir-frys. The leaves are usually dried and used for teas and to give a lemony flavor to other dishes. Lemon grass is also a favorite ingredient for soaps, perfume and incense.

Lore

• Many medical benefits have been attributed to lemon grass, including the ability to cure cancer, but most evidence for this is anecdotal. Lemon grass is high in vitamin A and is often touted as a clearing agent for skin problems.