Get Started
Lemon verbena · Perennial-herb

Lemon Verbena

Perennial · Verbenaceae

Lemon verbena is one of the most intensely lemon-scented herbs a gardener can grow—more piercing and perfume-like than lemon basil or lemon balm. It is outstanding for tea, desserts, and cocktails, and in zones 5–7 it is usually grown in a container so it can be overwintered indoors after the plant drops leaves in fall.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Sun
6+ hours
full sun 6-8+ hours
Spacing
18–24 "
Container
Yes
5+ gallon pot
Height
2–4 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Growing Guide

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 55°F
Harden Off 7 days

Watering

Weekly Water 0.75–1 "
Needs Moderate
Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–7
Soil Type Well-drained fertile soil or quality container mix.

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Low Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

whiteflies
Cause: Indoor overwintering can attract whiteflies and other sap-feeders.
Prevention: Inspect regularly and improve airflow around indoor plants.
winter-dieback
Cause: Cold exposure or wet winter media can kill stems and roots.
Prevention: Bring containers inside before hard freezes and water less in dormancy.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder
Recommended Recipes Root drench

Harvest

Harvest healthy fragrant leaves and soft stem tips while the plant is actively growing.

Expected Yield 0.25–1 lbs/plant
Storage 5 days — Use fresh quickly or dry leaves thoroughly for tea jars.

Sources

seed_catalog The Growers Exchange university Illinois Extension

Lemon Verbena Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Lemon Verbena vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

Ready to grow Lemon Verbena?

Get a personalized planting schedule based on your exact zone with frost dates, task reminders, and feeding plans.

Start Your Garden Plan