East Indian Lemongrass [Cymbopogon flexuosus]

East Indian lemongrass is a very old, tropical and perennial fragrant, spice and medicinal plant that originally comes from India. Due to its numerous possible uses, the evergreen species has a special significance in traditional Chinese medicine. The plants form long, narrow leaves and are more delicate in growth compared to West Indian lemongrass and have a slightly spicier taste, which is popular for refining cold and warm dishes. If we use the pleasantly scented herb for bath additives, soaps, ointments and as a tea, the plant has a diuretic effect that can transport toxins from the body. For colds, the high vitamin C content and the essential oils of the medicinal herb help to achieve a pleasant expectorant effect. The scent is floral, sweet and has a light lemon aroma.

General information
Plant family: Poaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 100 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Weak eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 0 °C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, moist, loamy, sandy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light and warm germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 20-28 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x50 cm

Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to September.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to May.

General
The species naturally has a low germination rate of 40 to 60%. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible lemongrass leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Lemongrass prefers a sunny, warm and wind-protected location with moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich humus and sandy loam soil and high humidity. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
Pot culture possible. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds or through root division.

Plant care
Regular watering causes faster growth.

Germination ability of seeds: 1-2 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Cymbopogon flexuosus
English names: East Indian lemongrass
German names: Zitronengras, Sereh
Portuguese names: Capim-limão da Índia Oriental
Spanish names: Limoncillo de las Indias Orientales
French names: Citronnelle des Indes orientales