Lemon is a popular flavoring for many culinary dishes. It is also popular as a fragrance in perfumes, potpourri, and cleaners. Unfortunately, growing lemons (and other citrus) isn’t possible outdoors in Iowa—and is difficult indoors too. Fortunately, gardens can grow other plants, namely herbs, with lemon-scented and flavored leaves.
Growing Conditions | Harvest & Preservation | Lemon Balm | Lemon Basil | Lemon Bee Balm | Lemon Catnip | Lemon-Scented Geranium | Lemongrass | Lemon Mint | Lemon Thyme | Lemon Verbena | Overview | More Information
Growing Conditions
Lemon-scented herbs vary in life cycle and habit, but they require similar growing conditions. All prefer full sun and well-drained soils with limited fertilizer needs. Like most herbs, they are drought tolerant once established. Most can be started from seed 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors in spring. Many grow well in containers indoors or outdoors during the growing season. Several can be brought indoors over the winter if placed in a sunny window.
Harvest & Preservation
Like most herbs, leaves can be harvested repeatedly throughout the growing season. Leaves are best harvested in the morning after any dew has dried. Ideally, harvest leaves before flowering begins, as taste may change after flowering. Many of the following lemon-scented herbs can be successfully air-dried in small bundles. Crushed dried leaves last for a year in sealed jars in dry, dark locations.
Fresh or dried leaves can be added to drinks, salads, desserts, and savory dishes. Check recipes for amounts of specific herbs. Often only small amounts are needed to infuse lemon flavors.
Lemon-Scented Herbs
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and a member of the Mint family. Leaves are crinkled with scalloped edges and have a delicate lemon scent with a hint of mint. The newest leaves have a stronger lemon fragrance and taste.
Cultivars like ‘All Gold’ or ‘Variegata’ have golden or variegated leaves, respectively. The cultivar ‘Lime’ smells more like lime than lemon. Plants are less aggressive spreaders compared to mint, but barriers to spread are still encouraged. Lemon balm grows well in containers.
Lemon Basil
Lemon basil (Ocimum basilicum citroidora) is an annual herb that combines the flavor and fragrance of tangy lemon and anise in the foliage. Lemon basil is a robust grower in the ground and containers. Several cultivars, like ‘Ms Burns’ or ‘Sweet Dani,' are used for their fragrance and adaptability in the landscape. Learn more in this article: Growing Basil in the Home Garden.
Lemon Bee Balm
Lemon bee balm (Monarda citriodora), also known as lemon horsemint, is a short-lived perennial native to North America. It is grown for its multiple tiers of showy purple flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators. The leaf fragrance combines lemon and oregano.
Lemon Catnip
Lemon catnip (Nepeta cataria ‘Citriodora’) is a perennial with a mounding habit with gray-green leaves. While lemon catnip is attractive to cats, it contains less nepetalactone compared to the straight species.
Lemon-Scented Geraniums
Lemon-scented geraniums (Pelargonium crispum, P. citrosum, P. citronellum) are a group of Pelargonium species with lemon-scented leaves. These are grown primarily as container houseplants. Leaf fragrance and flavor are subtle and best used fresh. Learn more in this article: Growing Annual Geraniums.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical grass that is native to East Asia. Plants grow well in containers and can be brought indoors in a sunny location over the winter. The tart lemon flavor intensifies during cooking. It is often an essential ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
Lemon Mint
Lemon mint (Mentha poitiers ‘Citrata’) is a member of the peppermint or mint family. Plants resemble lemon balm with similar leaves and flowers. Subtle notes of mint and lemon combine for the fragrance and flavor of lemon mint. Like peppermint or spearmint, plants are also aggressive spreaders and are best grown in containers. Learn more in this article: Growing Mint in the Home Garden.
Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus) is a perennial groundcover with tiny, semi-evergreen leaves. There are several types of thyme. While the leaves of lemon thyme might be small, they are strongly scented and sometimes variegated. Clusters of small purple flowers cover the plants in late spring. The showy flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Plants are often grown in between steppers or along edges of rock walls and terraces or other places where they can spread. Learn more in this article: All About Thyme.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodoria) is a large shrub native to Argentina. The whorled leaves are noted for their crisp lemon scent and flavor. It is considered one of the strongest lemon-scented herbs on this list. Plants are commonly grown in containers or as annuals in Iowa.
Overview of Lemon-Scented Herbs
| Species | Life Cycle/Zone | Height (feet) | Fresh or Dried | Culinary Uses | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Balm | Perennial Zones 4-9 | 2 | Fresh or dried | Teas, drinks, savory meat dishes, salads, jams | Inconspicuous white or lavender blooms in leaf axils |
| Lemon Basil | Annual
| 1-2 | Fresh or dried | Teas, drinks, cocktails, salads, fish, poultry | Tiny white flowers at stem tips |
| Lemon Bee Balm | Perennial Zones 3-11 | 1-2 | Fresh | Teas, drinks, salads, fish, poultry | Showy, purple flower whorls at stem tips and leaf axils |
| Lemon Catnip | Perennial Zones 3-9 | 2 | Fresh or dried | Teas, garnishes | Lavender or white flowers at stem tips |
| Lemon-Scented Geraniums | Annual | 1-2 | Fresh | Desserts, infusions, garnishes | Pink or lavender flowers in small clusters at stem tips |
| Lemongrass | Tender Perennial Zone 9-11 | 2-3 | Fresh | Teas, desserts, salads, soups, marinades | Rarely flowers |
| Lemon Mint | Perennial Zones 5-9 | 1-1.5 | Fresh or dried | Teas, drinks, salads, savory meat dishes, desserts | Pale pink flowers in tiered whorls in late spring and summer |
| Lemon Thyme | Perennial Zones 5-9 | 0.5 | Fresh or dried | Salads, savory meat dishes, sauces, marinades, garnishes | Showy pink-purple flowers in late spring |
| Lemon Verbena | Tender Shrub Zones 8-11 | 2-3 | Fresh or dried | Teas, drinks, desserts, marinades, fish, poultry | White or lavender flower spikes at stem tips |
More Information
- Growing, Harvesting, and Drying Herbs
- Growing Herbs Indoors
- Growing Herbs in Containers
- Ornamental Herbs for Iowa
- Harvesting and Preparing Herbs for Exhibit (4-H pub)
Photo credits: 1: Cindy Haynes; 2: Cindy Haynes; 3: Cindy Haynes; 4: Aaron Steil: 5: Nanniie_iiuu AdobeStock; 6: STUDIO GRAND WEB AdobeStock