====== Lemongrass ======

===== Botanical Information =====
^Botanical Information^^
^Order | Poales|
^Family | Poaceae|
^Genus | Cymbopogon|
^Common Name | Lemongrass|
^Species | Cymbopogon citratus|

===== Maturity days =====
* 60 to 65 days

===== Planting Months =====
^Planting months^^^^^^^^^^^^
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|X    |X    |     | X   | X   | X   | X   |X    |X    |X    |X    |X    |

{{tag>
january
february
april
may 
june
july
august
september
october
november
december
}}

===== Permaculture uses =====
^Permaculture uses^^^
| Usage 1| Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Pioneer| Shade, ground cover, chop & drop, insect repellent, utility, food forest| bee food, spice, herb, tea, edible leaves|

===== Growing condition comments =====
^Growing Condition ^Comment^
|Drought Tolerant |Moderately drought-tolerant once established |
| Humidity tolerant |Thrives in humid conditions |
| Planting area |Full sun, well-drained soil |
|Sunlight |Full sun |

===== Photos =====
^ Photos ^
|{{:wiki:lemongrass3.jpg?200|}}|

===== Recipes =====

Refreshing Lemongrass Drink:

Ingredients:
  * 4 cups water
  * 2-3 stalks of lemongrass, roughly chopped
  * 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  * 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  * 1 inch ginger, sliced (optional)
  * Ice cubes

Instructions:
  - In a saucepan, combine water, chopped lemongrass, and sliced ginger.
  - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  - Remove from heat, add sugar and stir until dissolved.
  - Allow to cool for 1-2 hours.
  - Strain the liquid and refrigerate until chilled.
  - Serve over ice, garnished with fresh mint leaves.

===== Short comments =====
Lemongrass is a versatile herb with a citrusy flavor, perfect for culinary and medicinal uses in Townsville's tropical climate.

===== General comments =====
=== Ecology ===
Lemongrass is well-suited to Townsville's tropical climate. It grows vigorously during the warm, wet months but slows down during the cooler, drier period from June to August. During these winter months, lemongrass may appear dormant, with reduced growth and fewer new leaves. However, it doesn't completely die back in Townsville's mild winters.

=== Uses ===
Lemongrass is commonly used in cooking, particularly in Asian cuisine. It's also popular in teas, cocktails, and as a natural insect repellent.

=== Food ===
The white, bulbous base of the lemongrass stalk is used in cooking, while the leaves are often used for tea.

=== Planting Depth ===
Plant lemongrass at the same depth it was growing in its container, or about 1 inch deep for divisions.

=== Seed Saving Tips ===
Lemongrass rarely produces viable seeds in cultivation. Propagation is typically done through division.

=== Cautionary Comments ===
While generally safe, some people may experience allergic reactions to lemongrass. 

===== Tags =====
{{tag>
Poales
Poaceae
Cymbopogon
Lemongrass
Perennial
Bee_food
Herb
Full_sun
Wicking_bed
townsville_summer
Pioneer
Vegetable
Garden_bed
Shade
Ground
chop_and_drop
Utility
edible_leaves
}}