We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Growing Lemon Verbena Plants?

By L. Whitaker
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 6,825
Share

The key to success in growing lemon verbena plants is providing a sufficiently warm atmosphere for these tropical herbs to thrive. With the exception of gardeners who live in the hot climates of USDA Hardiness Zone 9 or above, most individuals will need to grow lemon verbena indoors in a container in a sunny area. This tangy herb can be purchased at a garden center, propagated from cuttings, or started from seed.

Immature lemon verbena plants can be purchased at garden centers for planting in a container or outdoors. While lemon verbena plants sometimes grow to be 15 feet (4.6 m) tall, most container specimens will remain much smaller. Occasional pruning will help the plant produce more branches.

In locations with very warm conditions, lemon verbena plants can survive year after year outdoors. Wait until the last frost has passed to plant new seedlings. Before planting, mix compost into loosened soil. Make sure to leave more than 24 inches (61 cm) of space around each plant for maximum growth. Plenty of water will be required to allow lemon verbena plants to flourish outdoors.

Lemon verbena plants can be propagated from a cutting. All that is necessary to start a new plant is a tiny piece of stem that contains a few leaves. Stand the stem vertically in a jar with water, allowing it to begin sprouting roots, then transplant the cutting into a container with potting mix when its roots have grown beyond 1 inch (2.5 cm). If the seedling will later be planted outdoors, wait several weeks until the roots are well-established in a container.

Growing lemon verbena from seed requires small containers with a mix of perlite and peat moss. Moisten the planting medium, then plant a couple of seeds in the pot and cover them with additional potting mix. Cover pots with plastic wrap and place them in indirect sunlight. When sprouts appear, remove the wrap and place the pots in direct sun, watering frequently. Transfer seedlings to larger pots when they have grown substantially, and trim the roots slightly each time to keep the plant small for indoor use.

Lemon verbena, or aloysia triphylla, is an edible herb whose leaves and flowers have a lemony taste. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in herbal teas and in cooking a variety of fish, meat, or vegetable dishes. Some sources suggest using lemon verbena as a substitute for lemon zest or lemon juice in certain recipes. The strong lemony smell of lemon verbena plants is said to repel insects.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-the-best-tips-for-growing-lemon-verbena-plants.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.