Whether in a pot or bucket on the terrace or balcony or in a bed in the garden - the lemon verbena should be cared for everywhere. Otherwise, the end will soon come. This care largely ensures their survival.
How do I properly care for a lemon verbena?
Caring for the lemon verbena includes regular watering, fertilizing every 2-4 weeks and, if necessary, cutting and overwintering at temperatures between -4 and 5 °C. Optimal site conditions are full sun and protection as well as permeable, nutrient-rich soil.
How and when should lemon verbena be watered and fertilized?
The sunnier the location of the lemon verbena, the more frequently and heavily it needs to be watered. It is best to keep the soil moist and check this with a thumb test. Only the root area should be watered. It is important to avoid moisture on the leaves in order to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
In addition to regular watering, the lemon verbena should be given fertilizer:
- fertilize in the pot every 2 weeks
- fertilize every 4 weeks outdoors
- do not use chemical fertilizers
- in the pot: liquid fertilizer (€13.00 on Amazon), in the bed: compost or manure
- fertilize from April and until mid-August
How and when should the lemon verbena be cut?
The lemon verbena does not necessarily have to be cut. It is advisable to cut off their tips - especially on young plants. As a result, it grows bushier. Individual stems can also be cut off if you want to eat the leaves. In addition, the shoots should be cut down to 75% before overwintering.
Can you overwinter the lemon verbena?
The lemon verbena can tolerate a minimum of -5 °C and is therefore not hardy. It can be overwintered in a pot, for example in the cellar or garage. The ambient temperature should be between -4 and 5 °C.
What is the best way to propagate it?
You can propagate your lemon verbena via planters, seeds and cuttings. Sowing is considered the most difficult method. Propagation from cuttings has proven to be the most effective.
How to do it:
- cut off half-woody shoots in summer or autumn
- Cuttings should be between 10 and 12 cm long
- Remove the bottom leaves, cut off the top leaves in half
- Place in nutrient-poor soil and keep moist
- planting in spring
Tips & Tricks
If you choose the location perfectly, you will be able to put your feet up when it comes to care. The ideal location for the lemon verbena is full sun and protection and the ideal soil is permeable and nutrient-rich. Even pesticides are usually eliminated due to these basic pillars.
