How many cuttings does lemongrass give and how to run the oil distillation?

Lemongrass is a perennial grass that, once established, gives several cuttings a year, commonly three to four or more depending on rainfall, fertility and climate, for several years before replanting. Cut the grass a little above the base, let it wilt briefly, then steam or water and steam distil to extract the oil, with recovery being a small fraction of the fresh weight that depends on grass quality and citral content. Harvest at the right stage for good oil and citral, do not let it over mature or get too dry. Keep the distillation unit and water clean and condense well to avoid oil loss. Lemongrass oil price and citral demand vary, so do not assume a fixed income. Confirm variety and distillation details with your KVK or CSIR aroma mission centre.