Lemongrass needs wind when growing. My stalks always looked thin when I had them inside. The movement causes the stalk to strengthen. So if you are growing them inside, point a fan at the pot. I start the seeds with water, but when they sprout and have a couple of leaves, I’ll give them a mix of hummic acid, seaweed extract, calcium/magnesium, and a nitrogen blend. Not too frequently and only at night. It’s called brondo around here.

It can take over 3 months before the plants are ready to start snipping on. Mine have survived several years though. First I had them in the pot. Now they’re in a bed outside and not slowing down at all. The stalks are cut and either bruised or sliced for cooking. But I use more of the leaves. The plant it’s self is very tough and fibrous. It’s not good eating, just good flavoring.

I prune the leaves regularly. I cut the especially long and floppy ones. After washing well in cold water, I cut them into small pieces and spread them out on a sheet pan. They dry quickly, over night, maybe a couple of days depending on your weather. The dry leaves are stored in a jar until I use them. Cold lemon grass tea with mango nectar is one of the most refreshing things there is to me.  In the warmer months I bring a gallon of water to a boil in a stock pot. Turn off the heat and throw in a half cup of dried leaves and let it steep until cool enough to handle. I let it go for a good hour. Under half an hour is probably enough though. Strain out the leaves before storing in the fridge.