In 2022, we experimented with lemongrass cultivation at Finca Chocolat, planting a small test area to see how it would fare in our agroforestry system. Encouraged by its success, we expanded the crop area in 2023 and fully committed to integrating lemongrass into our understory in 2024.
To fuel this expansion, we went beyond dividing our existing plants and embarked on germinating around 12,000 new plants from seed. The image at the top of this post captures a close-up of lemongrass seeds, and here you can catch a glimpse of our dedicated team gathering seeds to prepare for nursery planting.
After sifting, the seeds were carefully planted into 6-inch pots, where our nursery staff nurtured them until the young plants were strong enough to make their way into the fields. In 2025, we plan to push the envelope even further: we’ll allow a portion of our lemongrass to go to seed, aiming to start over 40,000 new plants while dividing each existing plant into three or four new ones.
When ready to be planted, the lush growth nearly obscures the pots beneath, but with a gentle touch, we carefully transplant them and reuse the pots year after year.
Once in the field, it’s a straightforward process—digging holes, adding a mix of our biochar and compost, and setting the young plants in place. From there, nature does its magic. Lemongrass thrives in the environment at Finca Chocolat, growing so densely that it naturally suppresses weeds and lightens our workload while maximizing our return per acre.
The section you see here was planted in mid-August 2024, and by November, the plants will have grown to the point of touching each other, readying themselves for their first harvest.
While we currently supply fresh lemongrass to local businesses, we’re also gearing up to launch our distillation facility. By the end of the year, we’ll be producing lemongrass oil, aiming to meet demand both locally and in the export market. Stay tuned for updates as we grow our lemongrass production and introduce new products to the lineup!