Lemon verbena

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Lemon verbena

Latin name

Lemon verbena

Family

Verbenaceae

Origin

South America

Crop classification

Spicy and aromatic plants

Exposure

light loving

Frost resistance

Not frost-resistant/does not hibernate

Optimal growth temperature

20 – 30°C

Water requirement

middle

Soil requirement

light, permeable

Soil pH

6,5 – 7,5

Edible part

Aloysia citriodora folium – lemon aloysia leaf, Aloysia citriodora oleum – lemon aloysia oil

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Interesting

Aloysia citriodora, known as lemon verbena, is valued for its lemony aroma, ornamental value, and practical uses, with the name citriodora meaning "with the scent of lemon."

accessibility

Usage

Especially in the food industry for teas, flavoring foods, drinks and desserts; it is also used in cosmetics for its fragrance and soothing effects.

Cultivation practices

Propagation: is propagated both generatively and vegetatively. Generative propagation is less common because the plant produces few seeds.

Cultivation practices

Crop rotation classification and fertilization requirements

In Slovakia, it is cultivated as an annual plant, or in containers so it can be moved indoors or into a greenhouse for the winter at temperatures above 5 °C.

Track: II.

Suitable preceding crops: cereals, legumes, fodder mixtures

Fertilization: Aloysia is fertilized moderately, ideally with well-decomposed organic manure or a balanced NPK fertilizer.

Harvest and storage:
For culinary purposes, leaves are harvested continuously; for medicinal use, they are collected before flowering (in July), when they contain the highest concentration of active compounds.

Uses: Primarily in the food industry for teas, flavoring dishes, beverages, and desserts; also used in cosmetics for its fragrance and calming effects.

Effects on human health
Active compounds: Essential oils (geraniol, nerol, limonene, cineole, and others), sesquiterpenes, glycosides, flavonoids.
Phytotherapeutic groups: nervine, stomachic, carminative.

Diseases and pests:
It is susceptible to aphids, mites, and thrips; among diseases, to Pythium (root rot).