Get The Most Out of Your Lemon Verbena from Backyard Eats
Harvesting Lemon Verbena
When It’s Ready
- Pick individual leaves when the plant reaches at least 4″ height
- Pick handfuls of leaves leaves regularly to continuously stimulate growth of the plant
- If harvesting a large amount, cut at the the plant at the base of the stem before it begins to flower
- May – late November
How To
- Use a sharp knife or shears to clip stems and/or leaves away from the bush
About Lemon Verbena and other Medicinal Herbs
Lemon Verbena is a highly aromatic herb with a citrusy scent, commonly used for its digestive and calming properties. It’s perfect for beginners because it’s easy to grow and offers a multitude of health benefits.
Flowering/Fruiting Tendencies
Lemon Verbena produces small, white to pale purple flowers in the late summer, but its main appeal is in its fragrant leaves, which are the key part used for medicinal purposes.
Design Notes
Space herbs about 18″ apart. Full sun is ideal, as it thrives in warmer climates with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight in a day.
Care Notes
Perennial herbs benefit from compost. Mulching can be kept to a minimum as many kitchen herbs won’t benefit from the extra moisture retention. Kitchen herbs can typically be thinned/harvested in the summer and fall to keep them from growing wild. Many will get unwieldy and less productive after a few years and may need to be replaced.
Newly planted perennials require some additional care to help establish and support the plants as they grow. Water newly planted perennials deeply at the root 2-3 times a week during the first growing season. Apply compost and wood chip mulch in the late winter/early spring.
Storing Lemon Verbena
Fresh Storage: Fresh leaves can be used immediately or stored ina ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Long-Term Storage: First trim stems from the main plant to preserve the leaves. Tie 3-5 stems together into a bundle, then hang them to dry in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place for 2-3 weeks.
Once the herbs are dry and brittle, you can store and enjoy them long-term.
Cooking With Lemon Verbena
- Lemon Verbena Tea: Steep fresh leaves in hot water for a soothing and refreshing herbal tea. Add a touch of honey for extra flavor if desired.
- Finely chop or blend the leaves with oil, garlic, paprika, and lemon juice for a flavorful dressing.
- Add a few fresh leaves to your water a refreshing aroma to help start your day.
