How to Grow Lemon Verbena

A warm-season herb for the home garden across the warmer US.

Lemon Verbena is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Lemon Verbena in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the lemon verbena page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Lemon Verbena, Intense lemon scent for tea (garden centers)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 100 cm (39 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Spider mite and Aphids. In humid regions, Root rot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Lemon Verbena is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant lemon verbena where you garden.

See also: Lemon Verbena in the plant library →

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