When to Plant Lemon Verbena in Tallahatchie County, MS
What to do in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Tallahatchie County, Mississippi this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start lemon verbena indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: lemon verbena
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.
Tallahatchie County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.
At an elevation of 356 feet, Tallahatchie County receives approximately 50.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Verbena during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemon Verbena, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Verbena root diseases.
Tallahatchie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Tallahatchie County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Verbena's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Lemon Verbena prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Tallahatchie County is excellent for Lemon Verbena — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Verbena.
How to Plant Lemon Verbena
Succession Planting Lemon Verbena
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Verbena Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tallahatchie County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Verbena Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lemon Verbena Planting Timeline — Tallahatchie County, MS
Lemon Verbena Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
240 days in Tallahatchie County
Growing Tips for Lemon Verbena in Tallahatchie County
Direct sow Lemon Verbena outdoors after March 16 in Tallahatchie County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Tallahatchie County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Lemon Verbena. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
General 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.
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 Tallahatchie County, MS?
Tallahatchie County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Lemon Verbena planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tallahatchie County, MS?
Tallahatchie County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Tallahatchie County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tallahatchie County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.