When to Plant Lemon Verbena in USDA Zone 8b
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.
In Zone 8b, the average last spring frost is around February 25 and the first fall frost is around November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
Lemon Verbena Planting Timeline — Zone 8b
Where Is USDA Zone 8b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8b. Click any state to see the Lemon Verbena planting schedule for that location.
Lemon Verbena Planting Calendar — Zone 8b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 8b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
15°F to 20°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
276 days (Zone 8b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 8b
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
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.
Related Plants
Lemon Verbena in Other Zones
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
When should I plant Lemon Verbena in Zone 8b?
In Zone 8b, plan your Lemon Verbena planting around the average last frost date of February 25. Start seeds indoors around January 7. Direct sow outdoors around March 4. Transplant seedlings around March 11.
Can Lemon Verbena grow in Zone 8b?
Yes, Lemon Verbena can grow well in Zone 8b, hardy in USDA zones 8a through 11b. Zone 8b has a growing season of approximately 276 days, which is sufficient for Lemon Verbena (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lemon Verbena in Zone 8b?
In Zone 8b, expect to harvest Lemon Verbena from May 13 – July 22. Lemon Verbena takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 8b is around February 25, and the first fall frost is around November 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 276 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Lemon Verbena?
Good companion plants for Lemon Verbena include Basil, Tomatoes. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
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