How to Grow Lemon Verbena in Australia
A warm-season herb crop for the home garden
Growing Lemon Verbena at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-5/week on herbal teas, fragrant perennial that regrows each year.
This guide covers when to plant Lemon Verbena in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space 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 Verbena is a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Lemon Verbena full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 8. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 100 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 18 and 28 degrees.
Intensely fragrant herb, dried leaves hold scent for years. Herbal teas, desserts, cocktails. Deciduous in cool winters but comes back strongly in spring.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 3 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 Spider mite and Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Root rot. 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 Verbena is typically ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months). Fridge loosely wrapped for 3 to 4 days. Dry or freeze for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, lemon verbena is good infused into herbal teas, added to fruit salads and desserts, used in lemon cake and custard and infused into olive oil for dressings. Nutritionally: intensely aromatic lemon flavour and supports digestion when brewed.
Companion Planting
Lemon Verbena grows well alongside Tomato and Beans. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Lemon Verbena Growing
Add lemon verbena 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 Verbena in Australia?
Lemon Verbena is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Lemon Verbena take to grow?
Lemon Verbena is generally ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Lemon Verbena in a pot?
Yes. Lemon Verbena grows well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Lemon Verbena need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Lemon Verbena in the Plant Library
