This wonderful lemon-scented grass is a real delicacy. Essential in Thai and Vietnamese dishes and an excellent addition to soups, curries, sauces and fish dishes. Also used to make a refreshing tea and for perfume, oil and medicine. Germination can be slow. Height up to 1.5m (5ft).

Sow from late January to March on the surface of a good seed compost just covering the seed with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Germination takes 21-40 days at 20-25C (70-75F). Sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful.

When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings to boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots. When well grown gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out in late spring 30cm (12in) apart after all risk of frost, in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun and moist, well drained soil.

Keep well watered and give the occasional liquid feed. To over winter, lift in early autumn, pot up and grow through the winter in a greenhouse with a minimum winter temperature of 7C (45F). Alternatively grow permanently in 25-30cm (10-12in) container in a greenhouse, conservatory etc. Keep well watered throughout the summer, just moist through the winter.