Overview
- Common Name: Lemongrass / Tanglad
- Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus
- Type: Perennial grass
- Uses: Culinary, medicinal (detox, digestion), aromatic, pest repellent
- Height: Up to 1.5 meters
- Harvest Time: 4–6 months after planting
- Life Span: 3–5 years with proper care
Best Varieties for the Philippines
| Variety | Characteristics | Disadvantages | Typical Height |
|---|
| Common Tanglad (Local Variety) | Most widely grown in the Philippines; very aromatic; hardy and tolerant to tropical heat and poor soil. | Leaves are sharp-edged — must be handled carefully during harvest. | 90–150 cm (3–5 feet) |
| West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) | High citral oil content; strong lemon aroma; best for cooking and herbal teas. | Requires slightly richer, well-drained soil; less drought-tolerant than local types. | 100–150 cm (3.3–5 feet) |
| East Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) | High essential oil yield; commonly used for distillation and commercial oil extraction. | Slightly less lemony flavor, making it less ideal for culinary use. | 120–180 cm (4–6 feet) |
🟢 Best for Home Gardens: Local Tanglad — strong aroma, pest-resistant, and drought-tolerant.
Propagation
- Propagation Method: By division of stalks or root clumps (not by seed).
- Steps:
- Select a healthy mature clump (older than 6 months).
- Pull out a few stalks with roots attached.
- Trim leaves to 15–20 cm length.
- Wash off excess soil and remove old roots.
- Soak base in clean water for 2–3 days until new roots appear (optional pre-rooting step).
Planting Conditions
| Requirement | Details | Reason |
|---|
| Soil Type | Loamy or sandy loam, rich in compost | Prevents waterlogging and supports fibrous roots |
| Soil pH | 5.0–8.0 | Lemongrass is adaptable |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6–8 hrs/day) | Promotes strong aroma and growth |
| Drainage | Must be well-drained | Roots rot if waterlogged |
| Spacing | 60 cm between clumps | Allows air and root expansion |
| Planting Depth | 5–8 cm (roots covered, stalk base just above soil) | |
Best Planting Months (Philippines)
| Season | Months | Suitability |
|---|
| Start of Rainy Season (Habagat) | May – July | ✅ Best time to plant (natural moisture aids rooting) |
| Dry Season (Amihan) | Nov – Mar | 🌤️ Good with regular watering |
| Worst Months | Sept – Oct | ⚠️ Heavy rains may cause rot |
Germination & Rooting Time
- If from stalk cuttings: Roots appear in 3–5 days in water or moist soil.
- Full establishment in soil: 2–3 weeks.
- Transplanting: When roots are 2–3 cm long (if pre-rooted in water).
Growing & Maintenance
- Sun Exposure: Full sunlight for best oil content.
- Watering:
- Water 2–3x weekly during dry season.
- Reduce during rainy months — avoid soggy soil.
- Mulching: Apply dried leaves or rice hulls to keep moisture and control weeds.
- Air Circulation: Keep plants spaced to prevent fungal issues.
Fertilizer Needs
| Growth Stage | Fertilizer | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|
| Early Growth (0–2 months) | Compost or vermicast | Every 2 weeks | Boost root and leaf development |
| Vegetative (2–5 months) | Nitrogen-rich (fish amino acid or fermented plant juice) | Monthly | Encourage lush leaf growth |
| Maintenance (after harvest) | Balanced organic fertilizer (e.g., compost + ash) | After every cutting | Maintain nutrients for regrowth |
🟢 Tip: Lemongrass loves compost, banana peel tea, and aged manure. Avoid heavy synthetic fertilizers — they reduce aroma.
Pruning & Harvesting
- First Harvest: 4–6 months after planting.
- Harvest Method:
- Cut mature stalks near ground level.
- Choose inner stalks for cooking (white base).
- Leave outer stalks for continued growth.
- Pruning:
- Trim dried or yellow leaves monthly.
- Cut back whole plant to 10–15 cm above soil every 6–8 months to refresh growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Prevention / Organic Control |
|---|
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Avoid overwatering, plant on raised beds |
| Rust fungus | Orange-brown spots on leaves | Improve air flow; spray with neem oil or baking soda solution |
| Leaf blight | Yellow streaks turning brown | Remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering |
| Aphids / Mites | Sticky residue on leaves | Spray with soapy water or neem oil weekly |
🟢 Natural Pest Repellent: Lemongrass itself deters mosquitoes, ants, and some caterpillars — excellent as a border plant around vegetable beds.
Growth & Flowering
- Lemongrass rarely flowers in tropical gardens.
- Energy is used mainly for leaf and stalk production — ideal for constant harvesting.
- Regrowth: New shoots sprout after each cutting; fully regrows in 4–6 weeks.
Growing Conditions Summary
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Notes |
|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun (6–8 hrs/day) | Stronger lemon scent |
| Watering | Keep soil moist but not soaked | Prevents root rot |
| Soil | Loamy, compost-rich | Encourages root expansion |
| Temperature | 25–35°C | Thrives year-round in PH |
| Soil pH | 5.0–8.0 | Tolerant to wide range |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years | Divide every 2 years to rejuvenate |
Propagation by Division (for Renewal)
- Every 2 years, divide the mature clump:
- Dig up the plant and separate into smaller sections (3–5 stalks each).
- Replant immediately in new soil.
- Water thoroughly.
- Best done during early rainy season.
Companion Planting
| Companion | Benefit |
|---|
| Turmeric / Ginger | Repels pests, shares similar soil and water needs |
| Tomatoes | Lemongrass deters aphids and whiteflies |
| Marigold | Enhances pest control |
| Avoid planting with: | Onion, garlic — may compete for nutrients |
Harvest & Storage
- Harvest Interval: Every 2–3 weeks (outer stalks only).
- Yield: 8–10 kg per clump per year.
- Storage:
- Fresh: Wrap in moist paper towel, refrigerate (up to 3 weeks).
- Dried: Slice and sun-dry for tea or powder.
- Oil Extraction: Steam distillation for lemongrass essential oil.