Do you have a lemon verbena plant?
Lemon verbena is an herb that can be used to make tea, add flavor to baked goods and desserts, or steeped in hot water for a refreshing drink. It’s also known as the “herb of happiness” because its scent has been shown to reduce stress levels and anxiety. If you want your home to smell amazing all year long, grow some lemon verbena!
You don’t need much space either – it’s perfect for growing indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in pots on the patio. Plus, once established it will thrive with minimal care so you won’t have any trouble keeping up with it! All this makes lemon verbena one of the easiest plants around – even if you’re not exactly green-thumbed…yet. So what are you waiting for? Let us help get your home smelling great today!
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
When is the Best Time of the Year to Plant Lemon Verbena
The best time of the year for planting this plant is in spring. If you are planting in an area where the temperature will drop below freezing you should wait until later in the spring. The last frost of the season usually occurs around mid-May, which makes this a great time to plant if you live in zone 5 or higher. If you live in a colder climate, you can still plant Lemon Verbena, but you will need to wait until the ground has thawed and the risk of frost has passed. Keep in mind that this plant does not do well in hot weather, so it is best to avoid planting it during the summer months. If you live in an area with mild winters and hot summers, you can plant Lemon Verbena in the fall. This will give it time to become established before the hot weather arrives.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena is a perennial shrub that’s native to South America and can grow up to 3 feet in height. If you have a warm climate, it will do well in the garden. In cooler climates, lemon verbena will need to be potted so it can be brought indoors when winter approaches.
Lemon verbena loves shade and grows very well under oak trees. It will need to be pruned often, but it is worth the effort since fresh lemon verbena tea can be made from the leaves.
This plant prefers full sun and can tolerate some dry soil conditions. If you live in an area that has sandy soil, this is the perfect plant for you. The leaves have a lemony taste and are often used in teas, iced drinks, and salads.
In conclusion, lemon verbena grows well in both shady and sunny areas but prefers sandy soil.
How Often Should I Watering Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena is a hardy perennial and can be grown in containers or as a ground cover. It likes to be watered regularly during its growing season, which is spring and summer. During winter, it does not need as much water but does not let the soil completely dry out.
It takes about six months from germination until you have a plant that you can start harvesting from.
The plants should be watered about once a week if they are planted in a container or twice a week if they are planted in the ground. The plants should not stand in water for more than an hour at a time.
If the plant is watered too often, it may end up with root rot or other fungal infections. If it does not get enough water, the leaves will start to fall off and the plant will look very spindly and lifeless.
Watering your lemon verbena once a week should be sufficient for containers or weekly if planted in the ground. The plant should not be allowed to stand in water for more than an hour at a time. Lemon verbena requires moist soil to survive, but no sopping wet conditions. It can be difficult to determine whether your lemon verbena is getting enough moisture, so it’s best to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Lemon verbena is a perennial that will come back year after year if given the proper care.
When and How to Harvest Lemon Verbena
Harvest the leaves of lemon verbena any time during the summer, or whenever you need them. The plant is a perennial and will continue to produce new leaves throughout its life. The best time to harvest is just before the flowers open, however, this can vary from one plant to another. If there are no flowers on the plant, then the leaves can be harvested at any time.
The leaves of lemon verbena can be harvested by cutting them off at the stem with a sharp knife or scissors. Cut the leaves close to the stem, so that you leave as much of the plant behind as possible. You can also harvest the leaves by plucking them off the stem one at a time. Try to harvest the leaves early in the morning, when they are fresh and have the most scent.
Different Ways to Store Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena is a perennial herb that grows in warm climates and enjoys plenty of sunlight. It can be collected when the weather is warm and allowed to “cure” before storing it in a cool and dry place. Here are some different ways in which you can store your lemon verbena:
- Wrapped in paper or cloth and stored in a cool, dark, and dry location for up to six months.
- Dried whole stems between two pieces of paper, stored in a cool, dark, and dry location for up to one year.
- Fresh cut sprigs are stored wrapped in paper or cloth inside an airtight container stored in a cool, dark, and dry location for up to two weeks.
- Frozen in ice cube trays, stored in a freezer for up to six months.
- Infused in oil and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to six months.
- Made into tea and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to two weeks.
- Made into a tincture and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to six months.
- Compressed into tablets and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to two years.
- As a dried herb, it can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to two years.
No matter how you choose to store your lemon verbena, it is important to keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place. This will help to ensure that the herb retains its flavor and potency.
Other Things of Interest About Lemon Verbena
- Lemon Verbena is native to South America but can be grown in many warm climates
- The leaves can be used in cooking to add a lemony flavor to dishes.
- It is an easy plant to care for and can be grown in a pot or garden.
- Lemon Verbena is often used in herbal remedies.
- The essential oil from the plant has been used by many cultures as a tonic.
- Lemon Verbena is also a natural mosquito repellent.
- The leaves can be dried and used in potpourris.
- It has a long history of use for medicinal purposes.
- The plant is a natural deterrent for aphids and other pests.
Conclusion: Lemon verbena is a gorgeous and fragrant houseplant that is easy to care for and can be used in many ways. Whether you’re looking to add some fresh flavor to your baked goods, reduce stress, or just want the room to smell amazing all year round, lemon verbena is an herb that belongs in your home!