Herb growing guide
Lemon verbena
Aloysia citrodora
Sun
Full sun
Season
Warm
Maturity
90 to 120 days
Water
Moderate
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.5
Spacing
24 to 36 in
Planting lemon verbena
Set out transplants after the last frost in full sun. It rarely sets viable seed, so buy a plant or take cuttings.
Planting details
- A shrub in frost-free climates; container plant elsewhere
- Spacing: 24 to 36 inches in the ground
- Leaves drop in winter dormancy, which is normal
Growing requirements
Lemon verbena needs full sun and well-drained soil. In cold climates grow it in a pot and bring it indoors before frost; it tolerates being nearly dry while dormant.
Harvesting and care
Snip sprigs any time for tea and desserts. In early spring, prune hard to shape the plant and root the cuttings in moist soil for new plants.
Common mistakes
- Watering heavily through winter dormancy, which rots the roots
- Leaving it outside through hard frost
- Discarding a plant that dropped its leaves; bare winter stems usually resprout
Companion plants
Keep it near a path or door where brushing the leaves releases the scent, alongside other container herbs like bay laurel.