Lemon Grass - anyone root from a stalk?

[MonarchMom]

Just started cooking with lemon grass, and it is not readily available where I live.  I've read it is easily rooted from stalks placed in water, then can be grown in a pot or outdoors.

Anyone try this?  Any tips greatly appreciated.  I'll have to keep it in a pot, as I am zone 7A and we get cold winters.

[swd12422]

I'm going to be trying this in the spring. I've read the same thing, and I think it's a good idea to keep it in a pot so you can protect it in winter. I'm in zone 9, but I still managed to kill my plant last winter (it was in the ground) and I haven't replaced it yet.

What do you make with lemongrass? (I've only ever used it for tea...)

[MonarchMom]

Tried it for the first time with a chicken satay recipe.  I've read it is the same plant as citronella, or at least a variety of the same plant. 

I've had it in water for a few days, but nothings happening yet.  A lot depends on how fresh the stalks were, and how much of the root bulb is still attached.  If these don't work I will try and get more stalks to try again.

How did it do in the ground?  Is it an attractive plant in the garden?

[swd12422]

Frankly, I think I may have killed it by removing it from the pot and putting it in the ground. That, and the fact that winter then came means it probably never had a chance! I didn't have it in a garden, just in a bare spot in the yard. It's just green and straight and spiky -- definitely adds a different dimension if you have lots of frilly leafy flowery things.

It takes awhile for the roots to start. I've had success with rosemary and that took over a week (and possibly more like 2-3 weeks, I didn't really pay attention) before little roots started forming.

[MonarchMom]

Well, it has been a week and no roots yet.  But I'm not giving up yet.  If nothing by next week I will try to find some better stalks to root. 

[MonarchMom]

We have roots!  Both the stalks I put into water are showing multiple root tips emerging.  So exciting!  I just have the two stalks going, but I think I may need to get some more now that I see it works.  I'd like a nice full planter for outside in the warm weather.

Here is a link to another site showing some grown from stalk cuttings:

http://purplefoodie.com/grow-your-own-lemongrass/

[swd12422]

That's great! Hope it works out for you.