I have a couple of containers of lemon grass...had them for a number of years...the lemongrass makes a refreshing tea, served hot or chilled (it is a diuretic)...the roots are a must in some curries and other Asian dishes. Lemongrass is well worth growing. and propagation from cuttings: Lemongrass is a good chop and drop mulch and it can be added to compost. Be careful of running your fingers down the grass blades...they are sharp..ouch! similar to Horse Tail or Pampas Grass.
I haven't needed to over winter lemongrass indoors, as the climate in my neck of the woods (sub tropical) is so mild, even during winter. I would consider that it would be doable, just that it needs adequate light...and be careful not to over water as there is a risk of creating the conditions for root rot. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/lemongrass/growing-lemongrass-indoors.htm https://themamapirate.com/how-to-grow-lemongrass-indoors/ Lemongrass draws silicates from the soils that it grows in, which is why the leaves are so sharp...(full of minerals). Commercially, lemon grass (among other raw materials) is used for making ceramics glazes, though, domestic growing probably would not be viable for use other than culinary use, and herbal teas. (PDF) Silica from lemon grass Lemon Grass essential oil could probably be extracted from small scale cultivation.
I grow lemongrass as an ornamental mostly though I do use it for cooking. It's gorgeous though so I have a lot scattered about. Since I'm right on the border of 6b/7A it won't survive the winter here, but it's super easy to start from stalks I get at the asian market. I just buy a bundle from them every spring, pop them in a glass of water like you would a spring onion, and then once they sprout roots they go into the ground or a pot. Trimmed blades get chopped up and added to the nesting boxes. It's basically citronella so I figure mebbe it'll repel some bugs. If not, least it smells nice.
