Lemon Verbena Planting Guide
Lemon verbena is a deciduous shrub with intensely lemon-scented leaves that retain their aroma when dried. It makes an exceptional tea and adds citrus flavor to dishes.
Aloysia citrodora · Herb · Verbenaceae family · 60–90 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Lemon Verbena?
Lemon Verbena Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Lemon Verbena planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 8a | Jan 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | May 24 – Aug 2 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | May 13 – Jul 22 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | Apr 21 – Jun 30 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Feb 1 | Feb 1 | Apr 5 – Jun 14 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 8a – 11b
Growing Tips
Grow in a container in cold climates and bring indoors for winter. Prune back hard in spring. Harvest leaves anytime but flavor peaks just before flowering. Dries well for tea.
Saving Lemon Verbena Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Lemon Verbena by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Lemon Verbena?
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) takes 60 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Lemon Verbena grow in?
Lemon Verbena can be grown in USDA zones 8a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Lemon Verbena need?
Growing Lemon Verbena requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.