The lemon verbena, which is not very hardy, looks good and smells wonderful - it obviously brings joy. So why not take the plunge and multiply them? Here are three different ways you can multiply the lemon verbena.
How to propagate lemon verbena?
Lemon Verbena can be propagated by three methods: 1. Sowing between March and April, requiring patience, 2. Via cuttings in summer or autumn with semi-lignified shoots and 3. By sinking in early summer, placing shoots in the ground be placed and covered.
Sowing: patience and luck are required
Sowing lemon verbena is considered difficult. But if you're looking for a challenge, you shouldn't shy away from it. The seeds can be sown between March and April. Attention: The lemon verbena is a light germinator!
How to do it:
- Choose a seed tray or pot and fill it with nutrient-poor soil (€6.00 on Amazon)
- Cover seeds 0.5 cm thick with soil or sift over sand
- place in a bright and warm place
- keep moist
- as soon as two to three pairs of leaves are visible: prick out
Cuttings: The most common method
In summer, lemon verbena can be propagated using cuttings. The cut shoots that are to be used as cuttings should be half woody and between 10 and 12 cm long. They should also have he althy foliage.
The lower half of the cutting is defoliated. The leaves on the top are cut in half with scissors. Now the cuttings are placed in pots with nutrient-poor soil. A pair of leaves should be sticking out of the soil. The whole thing is now kept moist for weeks. To prevent it from drying out, it is advisable to put a plastic cover over the respective pot.
The place where the cutting roots should be light and warm. Temperatures between 18 and 25 °C are ideal. As soon as the roots protrude from the bottom of the pot, the cuttings can be taken outdoors. This should not happen earlier than spring. As an alternative to summer, the cuttings can be taken in autumn.
Lowering: In early summer
A third method:
- select annual shoots in June and pull them down to the ground
- Loosen the soil on the ground and dig furrows
- Place half of the shoots in these furrows and cover with soil
- weighing it down with stones
- keep moist
- separate from the mother plant in autumn and plant in a pot for overwintering
- plant in May
Tips & Tricks
Immediately after transplanting, the lemon verbena should be given nutrient-rich soil and placed in a sunny location. If you pay attention to the location requirements, you will have to care for this plant little.
