Cymbopogon citratus or sereh is indispensable for lovers of Eastern and Thai cuisine.
This fragrant lemongrass can be used, for tea, in drinks, herbal remedies and oriental soups and meals.
The lower part of the stems is particularly suitable for co-cooking and baking in oriental dishes, etc.
This tropical grass is just as versatile in the garden. It grows in a polular shape up to a diameter of up to 1 meter.
The height can be 180 cm, the leaves are about 2 cm wide and 90 cm long.
The leaves are bright blue / green in color and smell like lemon if the leaf is bruised.
Lemongrass plants can be kept in a planter just fine, when one touches the leaf the plant gives off a lemon scent.
The plant grows on all soil types and likes to have some water in the summer.
He also prefers a sunny place.
The leaves will remain green if the temperature remains above freezing. That is why the plant actually belongs in zone 10.
In a tub you can possibly overwinter the plant indoors in a light place. Also in a garage above the freezing point is sufficient.
In the open ground at frost the leaves freeze away and in spring the plant sprouts again if the frost has not damaged the roots.
If necessary, apply a mulching layer on top of the pol in winter to protect the roots. So you have fresh lemongrass every year in the kitchen.
Winter hardiness zone 10b (0ºC).