When to plant Lemon Verbena in Sumter County, FL
Lemon Verbena planted in Sumter County between February 13 and March 6 matures in 60–90 days — well before the December 6 first frost.
When to Plant Lemon Verbena in Sumter County, FL
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.
Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
At an elevation of 463 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Lemon Verbena may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lemon Verbena will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Verbena root diseases.
Sumter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Verbena Planting Timeline — Sumter County, FL
Lemon Verbena Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 26 | Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – Jun 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
303 days in Sumter County
Growing Tips for Sumter County
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Verbena in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Verbena in Sumter County, FL?
Sumter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Lemon Verbena planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumter County, FL?
Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 6.
When should I plant Lemon Verbena in Sumter County, FL?
In Sumter County, FL, plant Lemon Verbena after the last frost (around February 6) and before the first frost (around December 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumter County, FL for Lemon Verbena?
Sumter County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Lemon Verbena grows reliably in zones 8a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Verbena grow in Sumter County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Verbena grows well in Sumter County's temperate climate. Sumter County averages a 304-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 6 and first frost around December 6.
Your Sumter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumter County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.