Growing Lemon Verbena in Zone 11A

Lemon verbena has the most intense, true lemon fragrance of any herb — a single crushed leaf fills a room. It’s tender but worth growing every year.

Zone 11A has a very long growing season with mild winters. Many crops can be grown nearly year-round with successive plantings.

Top Growing Tips

• Tender perennial — bring indoors before first frost
• Drops leaves when stressed or moved indoors; keep evenly moist
• Prune hard in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth
• Leaves hold their fragrance when dried better than almost any herb
• Infuse into simple syrups, teas, and cocktails for bright lemon flavor

Companion Planting

Good companions: other tender herbs, containers near seating areas

Avoid planting near: Cold drafts and frost

Harvest Timeline

Harvest leaves anytime after plant is established; best before flowering

About Zone 11A

USDA Hardiness Zone 11A has an average last spring frost around Jan 1 and first fall frost around Dec 31. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.