Growing lemon verbena.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Re: Lemon Verbena
From: Mai Le <mai.cafe.berkeley.edu>
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 1996 21:42:11 -0800

> Anyone care to share info on how to grow lemon verbena?

Likes it dry and warm, although once it has warmed up you should mist liberally to promote budding. I don't think it'll survive a frost, but is very hardy if protected in the winter. I grow mine outdoors in N. California, with no problems, except that it's really hard to propagate from cuttings, so I'd suggest buying from a nursery.

From: poppy.someherb.com

if you live in zone 7 or less, you must dig it up before first frost and bring it inside...lemon verbena is susceptible to sugar ants, so it's a good idea to wash the roots and plant thoroughly before potting and bringing inside your house (or greenhouse). i have used soil-less mixtures with the plant and just fertilised it, even through the winter, about once a week with wonderful results. it is also a good idea to trim it severely after it has accepted the pot without shocking, otherwise it will tend to get leggy and will not produce flowers.

have fun...it's a wonderful herb.

From: Sandy Adams <mtnlaurl.mail.erols.com>

Lemon Verbena is tender, but will survive frost and come back from roots if planted in a protected place, such as against a southern wall. Mine is going on third year - IF it made it through this horrific winter we just had in Virginia. (is late to show new growth in the spring). I start by cutting or by nursery plant, needs full sun, hot location. I just keep cutting and cutting and it keeps growing and growing! I use it in tea, cooking of fish and chicken and I cut the leaf up, soak it in the milk I use to make pound cake. I just add milk, cut leaf and all, when making the batter. Tastes great! It dries very well and retains flavor. I will then throw dried stems into the fireplace. Nice . . .

From: moza.butterfly.mv.com (Almoza)

>I t grows like a weed as far as I can tell. What is it good for?

Cooking - infuse leaves to make tea.
Cosmetically - make an infusion of leaves and allow to cool for puffiness around eyes.
Aromatically - use leaves in potpourri, sachets, herb pillows, scented candles.
Medicinally - leaves used to soothe bronchial and nasal congestion, reduce indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea, feverish colds.

From: ravendncr.aol.com (RAVENDNCR)

Uses: Infuse as a tea to reduce flatulence, nausea (works ok); infuse in finger bowls (historical use), blend in a body oil (said to reduce puffiness around the eyes (Bremness, pg. 43), and if you're a witch use it to clear, purify and protect. It is my favorite herb for potpourris.