Лемонграсс: история, культура использования и выращивание в домашних условиях и на теплице.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon), a perennial herb, originates from tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, but now this fascinating and beneficial product can be found in various countries, including Russia.

Lemongrass has long been known for its culinary and medicinal uses among the people of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In these countries, it was used not only for cooking but also as a first-aid remedy to improve digestion, treat colds, and fight infections. These qualities of lemongrass are supported by modern scientific research.

Over time, lemongrass spread beyond Asia. Europeans brought it to other parts of the world during colonization expeditions, including Africa, South America, and the Caribbean region.

Interestingly, lemongrass has different uses in different cultures. Here are some examples:

• Thailand and Thai cuisine. Lemongrass is a key ingredient in Thai cuisine. It is added to soups, curries, and sauces to give dishes a fresh and aromatic flavor. For example, the famous Tom Yum soup is not complete without lemongrass.
• Vietnam and Vietnamese cuisine. Vietnamese people use lemongrass to marinate meat and prepare various dishes like pho and bun. It imparts a unique aroma and refreshing taste to dishes.
• India and Ayurvedic medicine. Lemongrass is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its beneficial properties and is an important component of herbal therapy. In India, lemongrass tea is popular for strengthening the immune system.
• Africa and insect repellent. In some African countries, lemongrass is used as a natural insecticide and to repel insects such as mosquitoes and crop pests.

In recent decades, lemongrass has become popular worldwide. It is added to salads, beverages, and desserts. Lemongrass essential oil is also used in aromatherapy, spa treatments, and perfumery production.

Lemongrass – Appearance and Taste

Lemongrass, or lemon grass, belongs to the Poaceae family, genus Cymbopogon, species Cymbopogon citratus.

Lemongrass forms clusters of thin stems, ranging from 60 cm to 1.5 m in height. The stems have a smooth texture and can be green or slightly yellowish. The leaves are long and narrow, sword-shaped. They can reach a length of 1 m and a width of about 2 cm. The leaves have sharp tips and a stiff texture, often with a ribbed surface.

The flowers are arranged in loose inflorescences on long flower stalks. However, for culinary and medicinal purposes, the leaves and stems are usually used, as they contain essential oils that give the plant its characteristic aroma.

Lemongrass leaves have a bright, refreshing, and slightly sour taste. Their aroma can be described as citrusy, with hints of lemon and lime. The unique taste makes lemongrass a perfect addition to various dishes to give them freshness. In some cases, especially when fresh, lemongrass leaves can have a slight sweetness, adding interesting contrasts to culinary compositions.

How to Grow Lemongrass at Home and in a Greenhouse

In the conditions of Russia, lemongrass can be grown both indoors and in a greenhouse, considering its needs. Lemongrass prefers a warm climate and grows in sunny areas with good drainage. It can grow in different types of soil, including clay and sand, and is moderately drought-tolerant.

Growing Lemongrass at Home on a Windowsill

Lemongrass prefers sunny spots, so choose a bright windowsill on the south side. The plant requires 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. If natural light is insufficient, you can use grow lights.

For growing lemongrass, you will need a pot with a good drainage system. Choose a pot with a diameter of at least 20 cm and a depth of about 30 cm. This will provide enough space for root growth. You can also use plastic or ceramic pots.

Lemongrass prefers light, nutritious, and well-drained soil. You can purchase a ready-made herb soil mix or make your own by mixing garden soil, compost, and sand in equal proportions. It's important for the soil not to be too compact, as this can lead to root rot.

Lemongrass can be grown from cuttings bought in a store or from seeds. The most common method is propagation by cuttings.

Select fresh and healthy stems, cutting them so that they are about 10-15 cm long. Place the stems in water for a few days to develop roots, then transplant them into the prepared pot.

The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Make sure water does not collect in the tray. In winter months, watering can be reduced slightly, but do not let the soil dry out completely.

To ensure good growth, it is recommended to fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. In the fall-winter period, fertilization is not necessary to control growth.

Lemongrass prefers warm conditions. The optimal temperature for its growth is 20-30°C. It is also advisable to maintain moderate air humidity, especially in the winter when heating can dry out the air. You can use a humidifier or simply spray the plant's leaves with tepid water regularly.

You can start harvesting lemongrass about 3-4 months after planting. Trim only the outer stems, leaving the inner ones for further growth. The stems can be used fresh or dried for storage.

By the way, lemongrass cuttings can be planted in the garden in summer. And for information on growing seedlings from seeds, you can find out more below.

Growing Lemongrass in a Greenhouse from Seedlings

If you want to grow lemongrass in a greenhouse, it will be a good companion for various crops, from tomatoes and peppers to cucumbers and eggplants. Its aroma will help deter some pests. In warm summer months, lemongrass seedlings will thrive in the garden, plant more for a pleasant aroma and mosquito repellent.

It is best to start lemongrass seedlings in February. Purchase quality seeds. You can find them in specialized stores or order online. Make sure the seeds are fresh, as old seeds may have poor germination.

Sow the seeds in containers with loose soil to a depth of 1-2 cm. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, lightly compact it, then water and set up a plastic dome. Place