Lemongrass is flavour-less (forum)

Justin starts with ...
I am growing both West-Indian and East-Indian varieties of lemongrass in Melbourne. They are producing lots of stems. However, they have very little flavour. I suspect this is because I'm growing Melbourne. Is this the experience of others growing it in temperate areas rather than the tropics?

They are growing in full sun, and the flavour/aroma does not seem to change regardless of how much water they get.

They do get a bit of rust over winter - not sure that would affect the flavour though.



Time: 29th January 2012 3:50pm

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About the Author Justin
Melbourne
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MaryT says...
Maybe the temperature has something to do with it. Mine are not great (favour wise) and don't seem to have enough white on them. Not sure if it's 'real' lemon grass. It's tall and like yours get a bit a rust at times. Mine is under the Jacaranda.

Time: 29th January 2012 5:06pm

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About the Author MaryT
Sydney
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au0rey says...
I feeling exactly the same! I bought 6 pots from FlowerPower and it said cymbopogon citratus but after 2years+ their stems are still very very slim and purplish. I am after the white ones like those in shops so I am not sure if I am having the right ones. I took out a bit from those planted in the ground and put it into a large pot with lots space & manure but lots of growth still thin stems!

My neighbour few houses down the street has her lemongrass clumps for years and she said within the first year she got to harvest. Hers are white and fat. I am puzzled. I am in Melbourne too.

Time: 29th January 2012 8:44pm

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About the Author au0rey
melbourne
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Justin says...
Sounds like it's the temperature then.

Mine are fat, and look like the ones in the shops, so I'm pretty confident I've got the right ones (I got mine from Diggers and Green Harvest). It took a couple of years for them to start fattening up, though. I hear you can also probably grow them from ones you get from the shops (probably better if they have a root or two on them I would suspect).
Also I think they do better in quite heavy soils - they love the water, although are drought-tolerant.

However, they're not much good as they impart very little flavour to dishes - I might have to go back to buying from the shops again, which is a real shame.

Time: 29th January 2012 8:58pm

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Original Post was last edited: 29th January 2012 8:59pm

About the Author Justin
Melbourne
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amanda says...
I am much warmer and flavour no problem? So u guys may be right. I have the "true" L'grass. I also get a tiny bit of rust - but it doesn't cause any problems as such - I just leave it be.

If it helps - mine puts up with awful conditions (and light sandy soil)...and like most of my "herbs" - develops good flavour. Maybe u are spoiling them too much?

Time: 29th January 2012 10:56pm

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Original Post was last edited: 29th January 2012 11:36pm

About the Author amanda19
Geraldton, 400km North of Perth
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