Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
High quality organic potting soil.
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Position
Full sun to partial afternoon shade.
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Frost tolerant
Lemon verbena is a tender perennial; its roots should not be allowed to freeze. In most climates, it is best grown in a container that can be kept in a cool (but not freezing) place through winter, the plant’s dormant season.
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Feeding
Fertilize with an organic water soluble fertilizer every two weeks from spring to fall, when the plant is actively growing in a container. Feeding is not generally needed for plants grown in beds in semi-tropical climates.
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Companions
Use this 3-foot (90 cm) tall herb as a movable accent in your summer herb garden.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 1' 1" (35cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 1' 5" (45cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Start with a purchased plant, or obtain a stem tip cutting from a friend and root it in late spring. Cuttings and divisions are best taken when plants are emerging from dormancy in late spring. Lemon verbena is typically grown as a specimen plant in a container at least 12in (30 cm) in diameter. A mature plant, grown in a sunken container, will occupy a space 18in (45 cm) square if well staked but still expect lanky growth that responds well to monthly trimming.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Lemon verbena is the most "lemony" of all lemon foliage herbs. Locate it where leaves can be conveniently picked, crushed and sniffed.
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Harvesting
Gather sprigs as desired. Smelling lemon verbena is a special delight of summer best captured in teas. Dry perfect leaves in small bunches, and store them in airtight containers. This is a fragrance herb to delight your sense of smell. Incorporate stems in flower arrangements scent the air with lemon. Put a piece in your pocket.
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Troubleshooting
Repot plants in spring, gradually moving to slightly larger pots. In summer, sink the pot into the ground to protect it from overheating and drying out on hot days.
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