Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) provides a potent citrus flavor without the acidity of lemons, making it a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine and herbal teas. This perennial herb is valued for its fragrant stalks and leaves, which are rich in aromatic oils like citral. Knowing when the plant is mature and using the correct harvesting method ensures a continuous supply and maintains the plant’s health.
Identifying When Lemongrass is Ready
Lemongrass requires a long growing season and is typically ready for harvest between four and ten months after planting, depending on whether it started from seed or a rooted cutting. Visual indicators are the most reliable measure of readiness. Stalks should achieve a diameter of at least one-half inch, roughly the thickness of a pencil, to be considered mature enough for culinary use. A mature clump will display a robust appearance, often reaching three feet or taller, with stalks becoming firm and pale green toward the base. Harvesting can be done progressively throughout the warm growing season once the stalks meet the minimum size requirement.
Proper Harvesting Technique
Focus on removing individual mature stalks from the outer edge of the clump, leaving the younger, central growth untouched. The most flavorful and tender part of the stalk is the pale, bulbous base closest to the soil line. Use a clean, sharp knife or garden shears to cut the stalk cleanly, aiming to make the cut as close to the ground as possible without damaging the central root mass. If you are growing lemongrass as an annual, you can carefully dig up the whole clump before winter. For a full harvest, cut the foliage back and separate the stalks from the roots, discarding any woody or discolored portions.
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
After the stalks are cut, remove the tough, green leaves and any dry, woody outer layers to reveal the pale, tender inner portion used for cooking. The trimmed leaves can be saved to dry or brew into a fragrant herbal tea. Prepared stalks can be stored short-term in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ideally wrapped in plastic to retain moisture. For longer-term preservation, freezing is an excellent method that maintains flavor for up to six months. Stalks can be frozen whole or chopped into smaller portions and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Seasonal Care and Overwintering
If you live in an area with cold winters, perform a substantial harvest before the first hard frost, as lemongrass cannot survive freezing temperatures outdoors. For plants overwintering indoors, cut the remaining foliage back to about six inches at the end of the season and reduce watering to prepare for dormancy.