How to Grow Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citriodora
Lemon Verbena is a fragrant herb prized for its intense citrus scent and culinary versatility. Gardeners grow it to freshen drinks, flavor desserts, or simply enjoy its vibrant foliage in sunny gardens.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Lemon Verbena: indoors or direct sow?
🏠 Start indoors 2 weeks before your last spring frost, then move the seedlings outside.
Move seedlings outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently for this tender perennial.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 before starting seeds indoors. Since this is a warm-season tender perennial, begin sowing seeds 2 weeks before your last frost date to ensure strong seedlings. Press seeds gently into the medium without covering them deeply, as they require light for germination. Expect sprouts in 14 to 21 days.
Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow ample airflow and growth up to 8 feet tall. Provide full sun exposure of at least six hours daily. Water moderately, aiming for one inch per week while allowing the soil to dry slightly between applications. Apply a light mulch to retain moisture, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Watch for spider mites, whiteflies, and scale insects; inspect leaves regularly and treat infestations early with water sprays or insecticidal soap. Prevent powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation in humid conditions. Harvest stems once the plant reaches maturity after 90 to 120 days from sowing for optimal flavor.
When to Plant Lemon Verbena
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for Lemon Verbena
✓ Good companions
Repels aphids and mosquitoes, shares similar growing conditions
Attracts beneficial pollinators and repels pests like moths and fleas
Deters nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Natural pest deterrent and shares similar drought-tolerant growing needs
Aromatic compounds help deter aphids and spider mites from peppers
Both Mediterranean herbs with similar water and soil requirements
Repels cabbage worms and aphids, thrives in same well-draining soil
Lemon verbena may improve tomato flavor and repel hornworms
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of most herbs including lemon verbena
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby plants including herbs
Aggressive spreader that competes for space and nutrients
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
