Lemongrass “Aromatic Magic’

Agricultural Practices

The crop grows well in both tropical and subtropical climates. However, ideal conditions for growing lemon grass are a warm and humid climate with sufficient sunshine and 250–330 cm of rainfall. A temperature ranging from 20 to 300 °C and good sunshine throughout the year are conducive. Lemon grass can also be grown in semi-arid regions receiving low to moderate rainfall. Lemon grass can grow well in medium-fertile soils with moderate irrigation. Well-drained sandy loam is ideal; however, a variety of soils, ranging from loam to poor laterite, are most suitable. Calcareous and waterlogged soils are avoided.

The crop is best propagated through seed raised in nurseries; 5 kg. of the fresh seed produces enough seedlings for planting one acre of land. It is also vegetatively propagated by splitting the clumps into slips. These are planted at a spacing of 60x80 cm. About 23,000 slips are required for one hactare of planting. Planting through slips is recommended for better production.

Seedlings are planted at a distance of 40x40 cm., 40x30 cm., and 40x60 cm, depending on the fertility of the land and the intercultural implements used. It is better to plant on ridges in areas receiving high rainfall. In northern India, 4-6 irrigations are sufficient during the summer months (February–June).

Lemongrass flowers in the winter season. The first harvest is generally obtained after 4 to 6 months of transplanting seedlings. Subsequent harvests are done at intervals of 60–70 days. Ideally, three harvests are possible in the first year and three to four in subsequent years. Harvesting is done using sickles; the plants are cut 10 cm above ground level, allowed to wilt in the field, and then transported to distilleries. Depending on the soil and climatic conditions, plantations last, on average, 3–4 years.

On average, 25 to 30 tons of fresh herbage are harvested per acre per year from 4–6 cuttings, yielding about 80 kg of oil. However, newly bred varieties offer an oil yield of 100–150 kg/ha.

Climate Requirements:

• Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, with ideal temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
• Prefers a warm, humid climate, receiving 250-330 cm of rainfall.

Soil Requirements:

• Grows best in well-drained sandy loam, but adaptable to various soil types, from loam to laterite.
• Avoids calcareous and waterlogged soils.

Propagation:

• Primarily through seeds or vegetatively by clump division.
• Requires approximately 23,000 slips per hectare.
• Planting usually at a spacing of 60 x 80 cm or 40 x 60 cm depending on soil fertility and irrigation.

Harvesting:

• First harvest occurs after 4-6 months of transplanting.
• Subsequent harvests every 60-70 days, with 3-4 cuttings annually.
• Plants are cut 10 cm above ground level, wilted, and then transported to distilleries for oil extraction.