How to Grow Lemon Verbena
Wikimedia Commons
Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citrodora
herbLemon verbena is a deciduous woody shrub prized for its intensely fragrant, lemon-scented narrow leaves. Native to South America, it produces delicate pale purple or white flowers and is popular in culinary and medicinal applications. The plant's aromatic oils release a powerful lemon fragrance when leaves are brushed or crushed.
When should you plant Lemon Verbena in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Lemon Verbena timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Lemon Verbena
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Lemon Verbena
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lemon Verbena dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; grown as a tender perennial or annual in cooler regions
Sign up free to see if Lemon Verbena grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Lemon Verbena timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with narrow cotyledons; very slow to establish initially
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops narrow, lance-shaped leaves along woody stems; foliage becomes increasingly fragrant
Begin light pinching back stem tips to encourage bushiness. Water regularly and feed monthly with balanced fertilizer.
Establishment
4-6 weeksPlant becomes woody and established with full foliage; may begin producing flower buds in favorable conditions
Continue pinching back for shape. Ensure good drainage and air circulation. Reduce fertilizer slightly.
Flowering
6-10 weeksProduces delicate pale purple, lavender, or white flowers in loose panicles at stem tips
Flowering occurs typically in summer/early fall. Pinch off flowers if leaf production is priority, or leave for pollinators.
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 monthsIn zones 8-9, plant drops leaves and becomes dormant; in warmer zones, may remain evergreen with reduced growth
Reduce watering significantly. In zones 8-9, cut back hard or bring indoors before first frost. Provide minimal feeding.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; improve humidity
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
-
Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil; isolate heavily infested plants
-
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; repot in fresh soil if roots are affected
Uses
Herbal teas and beverages
CulinaryFresh or dried leaves make a refreshing caffeine-free tea with bright lemon flavor. Commonly brewed alone or blended with other herbs; popular in cocktails, lemonades, and desserts. [source]
Flavoring for cooking
CulinaryFresh leaves add lemon flavor without acidity to fish, poultry, desserts, and fruit dishes. Excellent for infusing oils, vinegars, and syrups. [source]
Digestive and calming support
MedicinalTraditionally used to soothe digestive upset, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. Contains citral and other volatile oils with potential antispasmodic properties. [source]
Aromatic and fragrance
HouseholdLeaves release intense lemon fragrance when brushed; used fresh in potpourri, dried arrangements, and as a natural room freshener. Essential oil used in perfumery. [source]
Dried arrangements and crafts
CraftDried stems and leaves retain fragrance for months, making them ideal for dried bouquets, wreaths, and craft projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting once plant is well-established (8-12 weeks). Pinch off fresh leaf clusters from stem tips regularly to encourage bushiness. Harvest in morning after dew dries for maximum essential oil concentration. Can be harvested continuously throughout growing season by removing upper stems and leaves. For drying, cut stems just before flowering, bunch, and hang dry in cool, dark location.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lemon verbena is one of the most fragrant herbs; a single leaf can perfume an entire room when crushed, with scent intensity rivaling fresh lemons.
- 🌱 Despite its common name, lemon verbena is not a true verbena (Verbena genus) but rather belongs to the Aloysia genus; 'verbena' refers to its verbena-like appearance.
- 🌱 In Argentina and Chile (its native regions), lemon verbena is called 'Té de los Andes' and has been used traditionally for centuries as a digestive and calming tea.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Lemon Verbena planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Lemon Verbena seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Lemon Verbena timeline →