A traditional method of how to prune lemongrass is as follows. Begin by removing all the leaves off the plant. Do not prune the plant at this point, however. Wait for spring and firm the young stems so they will grow in the next growing season. Cut off any dead or broken leaf and keep all the healthy leaves intact.
To learn how to prune lemongrass, begin by learning how to harvest lemongrass from its plant structure. When the lemongrass plant starts to blossom, it will have one or two small flowers on the lower part of the stem. Cut these flower buds at their bases, and move them into a vase or other container. The buds will dry out and then fall off the stem. You can either hang these buds in an urn or a frame to dry out, or you can collect them for later use in your gardening projects.
When the lemongrass starts to die back, it will send down shoots of lemon grass. These shoots will fill up your container and look very healthy. Harvest off any green shoots that appear to be dying back. Prune the lemon grass back to the base, and just let it sit. This will prevent new lemongrass plants from taking over your garden.
For those who are just beginning to plant lemongrass, remember that it has a mild flavor. It does not have the intense flavor of mint, which is why it is a favorite of many people, but it is also a wonderful flavor for sandwiches and cooked vegetables. The lemon grass shoots will go green almost immediately and will have a natural flavor as they grow. The flavor of the herb continues to grow as the seasons change, so it is important to pick the appropriate time to harvest. The best time of year to harvest lemongrass is spring.
When you are harvesting lemongrass, it is best to prune the plant rather than cut the entire stem. Harvesting the stems encourages new growth. As long as the lemongrass is pruned, the plant will continue to grow and produce new shoots. The more lemongrass that you harvest, the more flavors you will have in your kitchen. Keep in mind that each stem will only produce one inch of buds. As long as you allow the lemongrass plants to grow in the ground before removing the leaves, you will have enough leaves to make numerous trips to your vegetable patch or local supermarket.
Many people use lemongrass in a variety of recipes, from salads to soups to stews. Because of its sweet taste, the herb lends itself to salads, fresh juices, and even raw dips. In fact, lemon grass is often added whole into soups. You can use lemongrass as a substitute for parsley, in casseroles, or even in a hot dog carton. The herb is also commonly used in Thai dishes, especially in soups and salads.
How to prune lemongrass is largely dependent on how large your lemongrass plants are. If you have very small plants, you will want to trim them frequently so they do not wilt or die. If you have larger plants, you may decide to wait before cutting back the amount of leaves until the next season. This will allow the herb to grow and produce more leaves. This is a very easy herb to care for; simply place the leaves into your garden and water regularly.
When it comes to pruning lemongrass, it all depends on whether you are using it to flavor foods or add a little flavor to the soil. You can choose to leave the entire plant intact and just lightly cover the top so it doesn’t dry out. This will help prevent the plant from drying out too much during the fall. Or you can remove a few leaves at a time and then re-cover the plant so it receives more moisture. How to prune lemongrass is really quite simple, since it’s a low maintenance herb that produces excellent flavor.
