How to Grow Lemon Verbena: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest
Quick answer
Transplant after last frost (UC Marin). Bring indoors before fall frost (IL/WI). Usually propagated by cuttings — no seed-start frost-week rule. Overwinters outdoors only zones 8–10.
Lemon verbena at a glance
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.
Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.
Cuttings, not seed starts: UC Marin prefers a potted plant over seed; NC notes stem cuttings. No numeric indoor seed-start frost weeks.
Planting timing
UC Marin Master Gardeners: “Plant in spring after last frost.” Prefer potted plant over seed. (UC Marin lemon verbena) Illinois: frost-sensitive; “Move the plant indoors before frost.” Tip cuttings root easily. (Illinois lemon verbena) Wisconsin: zones 8a–10b; brought indoors before frost. (WI lemon-scented plants)
Depth and spacing
Container culture works well for moving indoors (IL/WI).
Sun, soil and water
Full to part sun (UC Marin). Full sun outdoors (IL).
Care
Overwinter indoors in cold climates; outdoors only zones 8–10 (WI/NC).
Harvest
Snip leaves as needed for tea and cooking; strong lemon scent.
Pests and diseases
Few serious problems in containers with good light.
Related: ZIP planner · all grow guides · organic pest control
Frequently asked questions
When outside?
After last frost (UC Marin).
When indoors for winter?
Before fall frost (IL/WI).
Start from seed?
Usually cuttings — no seed-start frost-week rule.
More grow guides: All grow guides
Sources
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR): UC Marin lemon verbena
- University of Illinois Extension: Illinois lemon verbena
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension: WI lemon-scented plants