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When to Plant Lemon Verbena in North Carolina

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.

North Carolina spans USDA hardiness zones 8a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Lemon Verbena planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Lemon Verbena Planting Calendar for North Carolina

Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 18 Jan 18 – Feb 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest May 24 May 24 – Aug 2

Growing Tips for North Carolina

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Verbena in North Carolina?

Planting dates for Lemon Verbena in North Carolina depend on your USDA zone. North Carolina spans zones 8a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is North Carolina for planting?

North Carolina contains USDA hardiness zones 8a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.