How to Grow Lemon Myrtle in Australia
A year-round herb for the long-term patch
Growing Lemon Myrtle rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-10/week on dried lemon myrtle. One tree provides a lifetime supply.
This guide covers when to plant Lemon Myrtle in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Lemon Myrtle is a year-round crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Lemon Myrtle full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 40cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Lemon Myrtle into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 300 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Australian native with the highest citral content of any plant on earth. Intensely lemon-scented leaves used fresh or dried. Buy a grafted plant for faster production. Prune to keep at 2-3m. Thrives in SEQ.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 8 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Lemon myrtle psyllid and Scale. The main diseases to watch are Sooty mould. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Lemon Myrtle is typically ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge fresh leaves in a bag for 1 week. Dry leaves store for 12+ months in a sealed jar.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, lemon myrtle is good leaves infused into teas and syrups, used in baking (shortbread, cheesecake), added to curries and Asian dishes and dried and ground as a spice. Nutritionally: highest natural citral content of any plant and powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Companion Planting
Lemon Myrtle grows well alongside Native plants and Finger lime. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Lemon Myrtle Growing
Add lemon myrtle to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Myrtle in Australia?
Lemon Myrtle is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Lemon Myrtle take to grow?
Lemon Myrtle is generally ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Lemon Myrtle in a pot?
Yes. Lemon Myrtle grows well in a container of 40cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Lemon Myrtle need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Lemon Myrtle in the Plant Library
