Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been growing lemon verbena for years, and let me tell you – starting these fragrant beauties from seeds can be tricky but totally worth it. Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about growing lemon verbena from seeds, including some tips and tricks that’ll help you succeed.
Why Choose Lemon Verbena?
Before we start planting the seeds, let me tell you why lemon verbena is such a great plant for your garden:
- Incredible citrus fragrance that’s stronger than most lemon-scented herbs
- Versatile uses in teas, cocktails, baked goods, and aromatherapy
- Attractive woody shrub that can reach 2 feet in containers
- Natural pest-repelling properties
- Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor growing
Getting Started: Seed Selection and Timing
Choosing Your Seeds
It’s very important to get good lemon verbena seeds. Here’s what to look for:
- Fresh, organic seeds from reputable suppliers
- Non-GMO varieties
- Seeds harvested within the last year
- Clear origin and harvest information
Best Time to Plant
Timing is everything! Here’s when to start your seeds:
- Indoor starting: 8-10 weeks before last frost
- Outdoor direct sowing: After all frost danger has passed
- Optimal temperature: 70-75°F (21-24°C)
- Germination period: 14-28 days
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Preparing Your Setup
You’ll need:
- Seed starting mix
- Cell packs or seed trays
- Bottom heat mat (optional but recommended)
- Grow lights or sunny windowsill
- Clear plastic dome or cover
2. Planting Process
- Fill containers with seed starting mix
- Moisten soil thoroughly
- Plant seeds no deeper than 1/4 inch
- Gently firm soil over seeds
- Cover with plastic dome
- Place in warm location (70°F+)
- Provide 14-16 hours of light daily
3. Seedling Care
Once your seeds sprout (usually takes 2-3 weeks) here’s what to do
- Remove plastic dome
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Thin to strongest seedling per cell
- Provide good air circulation
- Start fertilizing with weak solution when true leaves appear
Common Growing Challenges
Listen up! Here are some issues you might face and how to handle them
-
Poor Germination
- Use fresh seeds
- Maintain warm soil temps
- Don’t plant too deep
-
Damping Off
- Improve air circulation
- Avoid overwatering
- Use sterile growing medium
-
Leggy Seedlings
- Increase light exposure
- Reduce temperature slightly
- Keep lights closer to plants
Transplanting Tips
When seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves, it’s time to level up! Here’s how:
- Harden off gradually over 7-10 days
- Choose well-draining location
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Add compost to planting hole
- Water thoroughly after transplanting
Long-term Care and Maintenance
Growing Requirements
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
- Water: Moderate, allow top soil to dry between watering
- Zones: 8-11 (perennial), annual in colder zones
Seasonal Care Tips
Spring:
- Start seeds indoors
- Prepare outdoor beds
- Begin hardening off process
Summer:
- Regular harvesting
- Monthly feeding
- Maintain consistent moisture
Fall:
- Reduce watering
- Stop fertilizing
- Prepare for winter protection
Winter:
- Move containers indoors
- Maintain bright light
- Reduce watering frequency
Harvesting and Using Your Lemon Verbena
When to Harvest
The best time to harvest is:
- Early morning
- Before flowering
- When plants are at least 10 inches tall
- During active growth period
Uses for Your Harvest
We love using lemon verbena in:
- Herbal teas
- Cocktail infusions
- Baked goods
- Potpourri
- Natural air fresheners
- Aromatherapy blends
Final Thoughts
Growing lemon verbena from seeds ain’t always easy, but with these tips and a lil patience, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, fragrant plants. Remember, every gardener’s experience is different, so don’t get discouraged if things don’t work out perfectly the first time. Keep trying, and you’ll get there!
Have you tried growing lemon verbena from seeds? What challenges did you face? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your experiences!
Happy planting!
Tip: Print out this guide to use later, and don’t forget to share it with other gardeners who might be interested in learning how to grow lemon verbena from seeds.
Grow beautiful verbena in your home garden
- 5 verbena seed varieties
- Versatile as a groundcover, cut flower, or container favorite
- Attracts beneficial pollinators to your garden
- Easy to grow from seed
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How to Grow Lemon Verbena – Uses, Pruning and Over wintering
FAQ
Is lemon verbena easy to grow from seed?
Lemon verbena grows easily from seed and smells great. Easy plant. Will spread beyond your yard, so deadheading is a good idea.
Does lemon verbena come back every year?
Yes, lemon verbena is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back every year in suitable climates. In warmer regions, it can remain evergreen.
What are the disadvantages of lemon verbena?
Lemon verbena might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking lemon verbena along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness and trouble breathing.
Is it too late to plant verbena seeds?
If you plant too late, you may not get flowers before the growing season ends. Verbena is cold tender and seedlings are even more prone to cold sensitivity. When you plant verbena seeds outside, they need 10 to 12 weeks to grow. You can also wait until spring and plant them in a cold frame or raised bed.