How to sow verveines (verbena and lemon verbena) Intro Verbena (Verbena spp.) and lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) can be raised from seed with good results if given warmth, light and well‑draining compost. Below are simple steps for successful sowing and early care. When to sow - Outdoor sowing (hardy verbenas such as V. bonariensis): sow outdoors in spring after last frost or autumn in milder areas. - Indoor sowing (most annual verbenas, lemon verbena): sow indoors 8–10 weeks before last expected frost for earlier flowering. Sowing mix and containers - Use a free‑draining seed compost or a 50:50 mix of multi‑purpose compost and horticultural grit or perlite. - Fill trays or small pots, firm lightly and water from base until compost is evenly moist. Sowing method - Surface‑sow seeds for most verbena species: press seeds lightly onto compost surface without covering, as many need light to germinate. - For larger seeds or varieties that require light cover, sprinkle a very thin layer (0.5–2 mm) of fine compost or vermiculite. - Label trays and keep cover (clear lid or polythene) to retain humidity until germination. Germination conditions - Temperature: maintain 18–22°C for reliable germination. Lemon verbena prefers warmer end of range. - Light: bright light is important; provide a sunny windowsill or growlight. - Time: germination usually occurs in 7–21 days depending on species and temperature. After germination - Remove cover once seedlings appear and provide good air circulation to avoid damping‑off. - Keep compost just moist, not waterlogged. - When seedlings have their first true leaves, prick out into individual pots using fresh compost and handle by leaves, not stems. Hardening off and planting out - Harden off gradually over 7–10 days before planting outside. - Plant out after risk of frost has passed for tender varieties. Space plants according to variety (30–45 cm typical for many garden verbena). Care tips - Position in full sun for best flowering; ensure soil is well drained. - Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser while plants are establishing and during the flowering period. - Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous bloom for annual verbenas; cut back leggy growth to promote bushiness. Propagation alternative - Many verbenas root readily from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer — a useful alternative to sowing for true‑to‑type plants. Problems to watch for - Damping‑off: avoid over‑watering and overcrowding seedlings. - Powdery mildew: improve air circulation and avoid overly humid conditions. - Pests: aphids and whitefly can occur; monitor and treat early. Varieties and uses - Verbena bonariensis: tall, airy, excellent for mixed borders and wildlife. - Bedding verbenas (e.g. V. x hybrida): compact, profuse flowering for containers and beds. - Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora): aromatic leaves for culinary and tea use; usually tender and best grown in pots in cooler climates. Quick checklist - Use free‑draining compost, keep seeds surface‑sown where light is needed, maintain 18–22°C, water moderately, prick out when true leaves appear, harden off before planting out. If you want, tell me which verveine you mean (garden verbena or lemon verbena) and I can provide a tailored sowing calendar for UK/Irish climates.

Created the 13 April 2026 by Gwenaëlle 4 min. Difficulty: Medium

Verbena (Verbena) is much valued for its charming, long flowering in summer, most often in shades from pink to purple. Perennial verbenas readily self-seed in the garden, saving us the effort in spring. But if you kept some seeds at the end of summer or want to try sowing this attractive annual or perennial under cover this year, follow our tips to succeed every time!

sow perennial verbena — *Verbena venosa*

When and where to sow verbena?

Early spring is the best time to sow a perennial verbena (Verbena bonariensis, Verbena hastata, Verbena venosa, Verbena rugosa...). Sow directly in situ in the garden, or in window boxes and containers on the balcony or terrace. Temperatures therefore need to be mild enough for your area, generally between March and April.
Annual verbenas and hybrids, however, are sown indoors earlier, in late winter, between February and March.

How to sow annual verbenas?

Annual verbenas often germinate faster than perennials, but dislike cold. For perennial verbenas, sowing can sometimes be a little fussy. We recommend placing seeds in the fridge for 10 to 15 days before sowing to aid germination (this is the stratification step).

Equipment

Verbena seeds (from own harvest or garden centre).
Seed compost or a mix of quality compost and sand in equal parts.
Seed tray or pot.
Spray bottle.

Steps:

Fill your seed tray (or a large pot) with seed compost.
Sow in rows on the surface, one seed every 3 cm or so.
Cover seeds lightly and firm down with the palm of your hand or a small board.
Moisten appropriately using a spray bottle.
Place pot or tray in a warm, bright spot, but out of direct sun, to maintain a temperature between 18 and 22°C.
Keep compost moist until germination, which can be very slow — generally not before four weeks for perennial species, so be patient!

sowing verbena — *Seedlings appear slowly in perennial verbenas*

Continue watering regularly, then prick out seedlings into individual pots when they are 5 cm tall and have 4–5 developed leaves.

Pots should be kept under cover, then planted outdoors in spring. Harden off plants gradually outside, or under a cold frame.
Plant young plants in garden in spring, in a bed or sunny container (at least 6 hours of sun/day), once risk of frost has passed, from May onwards.
Ensure soil is well drained for all types of verbena.

Buenos Aires verbena can be sown directly in situ, outdoors, between April and June.

Key points:

Germination time varies by verbena type: 4 weeks for perennials, 1–2 weeks for annuals;
In both cases — annual or perennial verbenas — well-drained soil and a sunny position are essential!