How to Sprout Supermarket Lemongrass

You may have seen lemongrass in the supermarket and wondered what it was used for. This herb is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, and its citrusy flavor can add a tangy kick to dishes such as soups, curries, and stir-fries. However, buying fresh lemongrass can be expensive, and not all supermarkets carry it. Fortunately, it's possible to sprout lemongrass from stalks purchased at the grocery store. In this article, we'll show you how.

What You'll Need

To sprout lemongrass, you'll need:

• Fresh lemongrass stalks (look for ones that are firm and green)
• A glass or jar
• Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Stalks

Start by selecting fresh, firm lemongrass stalks. Cut off the bottom 1-2 inches of each stalk, as this part is too tough to use. Remove any dry, brown outer leaves until you're left with only the light green part of the stalk.

Cutting off the bottom part of the stalks

Step 2: Place the Stalks in Water

Next, place the prepared lemongrass stalks in a glass or jar filled with about an inch of water. Make sure the cut end is submerged in the water, and keep the glass in a warm, sunny spot. Change the water every two days to prevent bacteria growth.

Placing the stalks in water

Step 3: Wait for the Roots to Sprout

Within a week or two, you should start to see roots sprouting from the bottom of the lemongrass stalks. The roots will be thin and white at first, but they will grow thicker over time. Be patient, as it can take up to four weeks for the roots to grow long enough to transplant the lemongrass.

Roots starting to sprout

Step 4: Transplant the Lemongrass

Once the roots are long enough (at least 2-3 inches), it's time to transplant the lemongrass into soil. Fill a pot with well-draining soil, and make a hole in the center. Gently remove the lemongrass stalk from the water, being careful not to damage the roots. Plant the stalk in the hole and cover the roots with soil, pressing down lightly to secure the plant.

Transplanting the lemongrass

Step 5: Care for Your Lemongrass

Now that your lemongrass is planted, it needs to be cared for properly. Here are some tips to help your plant thrive:

• Place the pot in a sunny spot where it gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Harvest the lemongrass when the stalks are at least one foot tall. Cut off the stalks at ground level, leaving the root and base intact so the plant can regrow.

Caring for your lemongrass plant

With just a few simple steps, you can sprout lemongrass from stalks purchased at the supermarket, and enjoy fresh, tangy lemongrass in your cooking. Remember to be patient and give your plant proper care, and you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of this delicious herb. Happy sprouting!

sprouting, supermarket lemongrass, gardening, herbs, Southeast Asian cuisine