Lemongrass cultivation : A versatile herb and spice
VIDEO: lemongrass cultivation In Hungary today, it is deservedly growing in popularity, as it is an easily accessible and versatile herb and herbaceous plant.
The lemongrass (Melissa officinalis), which boasts a pleasant flavour and many health benefits, belongs to the lipwort family, native to Central and Southern Europe, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean.
The effects of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is not only a delicious tea, but research shows that it also inhibits the reproduction of viruses, which is why many antiviral is an ingredient of a preparation. In the pharmaceutical industry as a flavour enhancer, as an appetite stimulant and as a mild sedative used in folk medicine, while tea mixtures and anti-rheumatism rubbing products known as a component of the apples stuffed with lemongrass and the tea against high blood pressure are just a few examples of the many different uses.
Lemongrass cultivation and care
Lemongrass requires temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for optimal growth, and although tolerates drought well, but cold and wet weather can inhibit its growth.
Propagation of the plant with seeding, by planting or by mail is done in preference to chalky soil. Lemongrass can be used as a seasoning at any time during the growing season in the form of fresh leaves, and can also be grown indoors in winter. In our gardens, if left unattended, it will multiply very quickly and weed easily, but it also needs proper care to grow healthily.
Growing lemongrass in pots
Lemongrass is an ideal plant to grow in pots, especially if you don't have a garden or have limited space. To grow lemongrass in pots, choose a pot at least 20 cm in diameter with adequate drainage holes. Fill with good quality, nutrient-rich potting soil and plant the lemongrass seedlings or seeds.
Place the potted lemongrass in a sunny, but not hot sunny spot, where it will receive at least 4-6 hours of indirect light per day. It is important to keep the soil slightly moist at all times, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Regularly feed the plant with good quality organic to ensure adequate nutrient supply, and cut back the stems occasionally to stimulate the growth of new shoots.
Growing and caring for lemongrass in your garden
Growing lemongrass in the garden is a great way to get plenty of the benefits of this fragrant and useful plant. Lemongrass grows well in sunny or semi-shady areas in loose, well-drained soil. Before planting, work the soil with Blackjak the humus it contains improves soil quality and helps the plant's roots to absorb more water and nutrients. Lemongrass spreads quickly, so it is worth defining the growing area to avoid overgrowth.
The planting distance should be about 30-45 cm to give the plants enough space to spread. Water the lemongrass regularly, especially during dry periods, but make sure that the soil is not too wet.
Lemongrass is resistant to particular diseases or pests, but occasionally aphids or powdery mildew may occur. In such cases, it is advisable to use natural control methods such as Asco Alga to help plants in the event of: drought, heat stress, cutting injury, nutrient deficiencies, fertilization, coloration, gut content and shelf life improvement.
You can pick the ripe lemongrass leaves at any time, but for the best flavour and fragrance, collect them before they flower.
The lemongrass leaves have a lemony scent that is popular not only in the perfume industry but also in the kitchen. As a herb can be used to flavour fruit soups, salads and soups, often replacing lemon.
In addition, the beekeeping is also valuable to the bees, and is an excellent bee-feeder due to its high nectar content.
What do we feed our lemongrass plants?
The two products mentioned earlier should be used to treat your plant:
