How to Grow Lemon Verbena

Start Lemon Verbena seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Lemon Verbena typically matures in about 120 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Lemon Verbena should be started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Lemon Verbena requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.

Space Lemon Verbena plants 24 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Lemon Verbena has moderate (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Lemon Verbena is rated difficult. Flowers set seed in late summer but viability is often low in temperate climates. Harvest seed pods when dry, extract tiny seeds. Germination is slow and irregular.

Properly dried and stored Lemon Verbena seeds remain viable for up to 1 year. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Yes — Lemon Verbena is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.