Lemon Myrtle
An Australian rainforest tree with the highest citral content of any plant, producing an intensely lemony tea and culinary flavoring.
On this pageOverview
Meet Lemon Myrtle
An Australian rainforest tree with the highest citral content of any plant, producing an intensely lemony tea and culinary flavoring. Lemon myrtle leaves make a caffeine-free tea with a clean, powerful lemon flavor far surpassing lemongrass or lemon verbena. Grow in frost-free climates or as a container plant brought indoors in winter.
When to plant Lemon Myrtle
Lemon myrtle can be grown from fresh seed, though germination is slow and erratic, taking 4 to 12 weeks. Sow seed on the surface of a fine, moist seed-starting mix and do not cover, as seeds require light for germination. Maintain consistent warmth of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity using a clear cover or propagation dome. Seedlings grow slowly in their first year and may take 2 or more years to reach transplanting size. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer with bottom heat and rooting hormone are a faster method. Air layering of established branches also works well for propagation.
Your Lemon Myrtle Year
Composed for Zone 7 · typical seasons · frost passes Apr 2, returns Nov 1
Sow Lemon Myrtle Mar – May, pick Jan – Dec. Set your climate below and every date on this plate re-times itself.
How to grow Lemon Myrtle
Lemon myrtle is an evergreen tree native to the subtropical rainforests of Queensland, Australia. In its natural habitat it can reach 20 meters, but in cultivation it is typically kept to 3 to 5 meters through regular pruning. The tree produces glossy, lance-shaped leaves with an extraordinary lemon fragrance due to its exceptionally high citral content, the highest of any known plant.
Plant in a sheltered position with full sun to light shade in well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. In frost-prone areas (below zone 9), grow in large containers that can be moved to a bright, frost-free location during winter. Container-grown specimens typically reach 1.5 to 2 meters and respond well to pruning to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter but do not allow the root ball to dry out completely. Lemon myrtle benefits from regular feeding with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants from spring through autumn. Protect from cold winds and frost, which can damage or kill the foliage. Established trees tolerate brief periods to about minus 2 degrees Celsius but sustained cold below freezing is fatal.
2 plants fit a 4 × 8 ft bed
Each Lemon Myrtle wants 90 cm of elbow room. The planner keeps that spacing for you — every plant, every bed.
Feed it well
Lemon myrtle prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. In heavy clay soils, plant on a raised mound or in a raised bed to ensure adequate drainage. Feed every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants such as azalea or camellia food. Avoid fertilizers high in phosphorus, as Australian native plants are sensitive to excess phosphorus. A layer of organic mulch around the base helps maintain soil moisture and acidity.
Ideal Temperature
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
From seed to harvest, stage by stage
Seed Germination
Lemon myrtle seeds are fine and slow to germinate. Surface-sow on a moist, well-draining seed-raising mix and keep at a consistent 22-25°C. Seeds require light to germinate, so press gently onto the surface without covering. Germination is often erratic, ranging from 14 to 42 days.
Seedling Establishment
Tiny seedlings emerge with small, rounded cotyledons followed by their first true leaves which already carry a faint lemon scent when rubbed. Growth is slow during this phase as the root system establishes. Provide bright indirect light and protect from harsh direct sun.
Juvenile Growth
Young plants begin to develop their characteristic glossy, lance-shaped leaves and a more defined stem structure. Growth accelerates during warm months. The lemon fragrance intensifies noticeably as leaves mature. Plants may reach 30-60 cm in their first year under optimal conditions.
Rapid Vegetative Growth
In years two and three, lemon myrtle enters a vigorous growth phase. The plant develops a dense canopy of aromatic foliage and the trunk begins to harden. Under ideal subtropical conditions, plants can grow 50-80 cm per year. Leaves are now large enough for regular culinary harvesting.
First Flowering
Mature plants begin producing clusters of small creamy-white flowers at branch tips during summer. Each flower cluster contains dozens of individual blossoms rich in nectar. The flowering period typically lasts 4-6 weeks and the flowers themselves carry a sweet lemon fragrance.
Mature Production
From year three onward, lemon myrtle reaches productive maturity. Trees can grow to 3-6 metres in the ground or be maintained at 1.5-2 metres in containers. Annual leaf harvests increase substantially. The plant flowers reliably each summer and may produce small woody seed capsules after pollination.
Use a clear humidity dome or plastic wrap to maintain consistent moisture. Mist gently rather than watering from above to avoid displacing the tiny seeds.
Caring for Lemon Myrtle month by month
What to do each month for your Lemon Myrtle
July
You are hereNo specific care tasks for this month.
Harvesting Lemon Myrtle
Harvest lemon myrtle leaves year-round from established plants by snipping individual leaves or small branch tips. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. For the strongest lemon flavor, harvest mid-morning after dew has evaporated when essential oil content is at its peak. Younger leaves tend to have a more delicate flavor, while mature leaves are more intensely aromatic. Regular harvesting and light pruning encourages bushy, compact growth and a continuous supply of fresh leaves. Avoid removing more than one-quarter of the canopy at once.
assuming you sow when the window opens — set your real date
Pick Lemon Myrtle promptly and the plant keeps producing.
Storage & Preservation
Dry lemon myrtle leaves on screens in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for 5 to 7 days, or use a dehydrator set to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The dried leaves retain their intense lemon aroma for over a year when stored in airtight glass jars away from light. Fresh leaves can be frozen whole in sealed bags for up to 6 months. Ground dried leaves into a powder for use as a versatile lemon seasoning that keeps for up to 18 months stored in a cool, dark place. The essential oil can be extracted through steam distillation for concentrated use.
What goes wrong — and the fix
Scale Insects
PestSmall brown or white bumps on stems and leaf undersides, sticky honeydew deposits on leaves, and sooty mold growth on honeydew.
Myrtle Rust
DiseaseBright yellow or orange powdery spots on young leaves and shoot tips, causing distorted growth and defoliation in severe cases.
Psyllids
PestCurling and distortion of new growth, sticky honeydew on leaves, and presence of small winged insects on young shoots.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The most frequent issue is cold damage in marginal climates. Frost-burned leaves turn brown and crispy but can be pruned off in spring once new growth appears. Overwatering and poor drainage lead to root rot, which manifests as yellowing lower leaves and a general decline. In very dry indoor conditions, leaf tips may brown from low humidity. Myrtle rust is an emerging threat in areas where the disease has been introduced. Container plants may become root-bound, requiring repotting every 2 to 3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh acidic potting mix.
Growing Tips
- Choose a warm, sheltered position with bright light. Lemon myrtle performs best in full sun to partial shade, but young plants benefit from protection against intense afternoon sun in hot climates.
- Use a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost for container growing. A mix formulated for Australian natives or camellias works well. Ensure pots have large drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but never saturated. Lemon myrtle is not drought-tolerant like many Australian natives and will drop leaves if the soil dries out completely.
- Feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring and again in mid-summer. Avoid fertilisers high in phosphorus, as lemon myrtle is sensitive to excess phosphorus like many Myrtaceae family members.
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or crossing branches and trim to shape. Regular harvesting of leaf tips throughout the season keeps the plant compact and bushy.
- Protect from frost. In climates where temperatures drop below 5°C, grow lemon myrtle in a container that can be moved indoors or to a sheltered position during winter.
- Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or autumn. Select healthy non-flowering stems, remove the lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and place in a mix of perlite and peat. Provide bottom heat of 22-25°C for best results.
- Monitor for common pests including scale insects, sooty mould, and occasional leaf miners. Treat scale with horticultural oil spray applied to the undersides of leaves. Good air circulation reduces fungal problems.
- If growing indoors during winter, place the plant near the brightest window available and maintain humidity by misting the foliage several times a week or placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles.
- Harvest leaves at any time during the growing season by snipping individual leaves or small branch tips. Morning harvesting yields the highest essential oil content. Use fresh leaves immediately or dry them in a single layer away from direct sunlight.
Pick your Lemon Myrtle
Backhousia citriodora (standard)
The straight species is the most commonly available form. Produces the characteristic intensely lemony leaves and clusters of small white flowers in summer.
Backhousia citriodora 'Dorado'
A compact cultivar selected for container growing, reaching only 2 to 3 meters. Dense, bushy habit makes it ideal for hedging or potted specimens.
Backhousia citriodora 'Afterdark'
A striking ornamental variety with deep burgundy-purple new growth that matures to dark green. Same excellent lemon flavor with added visual appeal.
A small lemon myrtle plant costs $10-20 at a nursery and can provide fresh leaves for decades with minimal care. Dried lemon myrtle leaf retails for $15-30 per 50 grams in specialty stores and online, while a single container-grown plant produces far more than this each year. Lemon myrtle essential oil sells for $25-60 per 15 ml bottle. By growing your own, you eliminate these recurring costs entirely. Over a five-year period, a single plant can save you $200-500 compared to purchasing dried leaf and tea blends. Surplus leaves are easily dried at home and make valued gifts.
Quick recipes
Lemon Myrtle Herbal Tea
5 minutesA beautifully aromatic caffeine-free tea that delivers a bright, clean lemon flavour without any acidity. Lemon myrtle tea is soothing and refreshing served hot or over ice. The dried leaves steep into a pale golden infusion with a sweet citrus aroma that fills the room.
5 ingredientsLemon Myrtle Shortbread
20 minutes + 30 min chill + 12 min bakeClassic buttery shortbread infused with ground lemon myrtle for an elegant Australian twist. The lemon myrtle adds a fragrant citrus note that is more complex and aromatic than lemon zest, creating a refined biscuit perfect for afternoon tea or as a homemade gift.
7 ingredientsLemon Myrtle and Macadamia Pesto
10 minutesA uniquely Australian take on pesto that combines the citrus punch of lemon myrtle with the rich creaminess of macadamia nuts. This versatile condiment works brilliantly tossed through pasta, spread on grilled fish, or used as a dip with crusty bread.
7 ingredientsCulinary Uses
Lemon myrtle is a versatile culinary herb with a clean, intense lemon flavor. Use fresh or dried leaves to brew a refreshing caffeine-free tea with a pure citrus taste. Add dried ground leaves to shortbread, cheesecake, ice cream, and baked goods as a lemon flavoring. Use whole fresh leaves in fish en papillote, marinades, and cream sauces. Lemon myrtle pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, and tropical fruits. It is increasingly used by professional chefs as a superior alternative to lemon zest.
What's inside
Health Benefits
- Lemon myrtle leaf oil is rich in citral, which has been shown in laboratory studies to exhibit strong antimicrobial properties against a range of bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
- The high antioxidant content of lemon myrtle leaves, including lutein and folate, may help protect cells against oxidative stress and support overall immune function when consumed regularly as a tea.
- Lemon myrtle tea has traditionally been used in Australian herbal medicine to soothe cold and flu symptoms, helping to clear congestion and calm a sore throat with its natural antiseptic qualities.
- The citral and other terpenes in lemon myrtle possess documented anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation when consumed as part of a regular diet.
- Lemon myrtle is naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins, making it a gentle alternative to black or green tea that can be enjoyed throughout the day without disrupting sleep patterns.
- Preliminary research suggests that compounds in lemon myrtle may support digestive health by helping to calm stomach discomfort and reduce bloating after meals.
Where Lemon Myrtle comes from
Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is an evergreen tree native to the subtropical rainforests of southeastern Queensland, Australia. Its natural range extends along the coastal hinterland from around Mackay in the north to just south of Brisbane, where it grows as an understorey or mid-canopy tree in warm, humid rainforest environments. For thousands of years before European settlement, Aboriginal Australians recognised the remarkable aromatic properties of lemon myrtle leaves, using them as a flavouring for food, a fragrant addition to ceremonial practices, and a soothing herbal remedy. The leaves were crushed to release their intense lemon scent and brewed into therapeutic infusions. European botanists first formally described the species in the 19th century, and it was named Backhousia citriodora by Ferdinand von Mueller in 1853, honouring the English botanist James Backhouse who had explored the Australian flora extensively. Despite this early scientific recognition, lemon myrtle remained relatively unknown outside Australia for over a century. It was not until the 1990s that a growing interest in Australian native bush foods sparked a commercial revolution around lemon myrtle. Researchers at universities and government agencies analysed the leaf oil and discovered that it contained the highest concentration of citral of any known plant, far surpassing lemongrass, lemon verbena, and actual lemons. This discovery propelled lemon myrtle into the global spotlight as a uniquely potent natural lemon flavouring and fragrance ingredient. Plantations were established across subtropical and tropical Queensland and northern New South Wales, transforming what had been a wild rainforest tree into a cultivated crop. Today, lemon myrtle is used in teas, seasonings, sauces, confectionery, essential oils, skincare products, and cleaning supplies. It has become one of the flagship species of the Australian native food industry and is now grown commercially in suitable climates around the world, from South Africa to southern Europe and parts of the Americas.
Lemon Myrtle: did you know?
Fascinating facts about Lemon Myrtle
Lemon myrtle contains the highest known concentration of citral of any plant in the world, with leaf oil containing up to 98% citral compared to just 3-5% in actual lemons.
Lemon Myrtle questions, answered
When should I plant Lemon Myrtle?
What hardiness zones can Lemon Myrtle grow in?
How much sun does Lemon Myrtle need?
How far apart should I space Lemon Myrtle?
What pests and diseases affect Lemon Myrtle?
How do I store Lemon Myrtle after harvest?
What are the best Lemon Myrtle varieties to grow?
What soil does Lemon Myrtle need?
Can I grow lemon myrtle in a cold climate?
How is lemon myrtle different from lemongrass or lemon verbena?
Is lemon myrtle safe to use in cooking and teas?
Why are my lemon myrtle leaves turning yellow and dropping?
How do I dry and store lemon myrtle leaves?
When is the best time to harvest lemon myrtle leaves?
You just read the theory. Now grow it on autopilot.
Everything that makes Lemon Myrtle fiddly — the timing, the spacing, the companions, the harvest window — is exactly what PlotMyGarden handles for you, for every plant in your garden.
A plan that knows your weather
Set your location once. Get sow, feed and harvest dates built around your real last-frost date and live forecast — no more guessing from a generic seed packet.
From the “When to plant” sectionDrag-and-drop bed planner
Design beds on a grid. Every plant snaps to its proper spacing, and you can see your whole season laid out before you spend a cent on seed.
From the “Growing guide” sectionCompanion conflicts, caught early
200+ good-and-bad pairings checked live as you plant — so a season-wrecking mistake never makes it into the ground.
From the “Companions” sectionReminders you'll actually act on
“Water the beans.” “Pick today before it turns.” Timely, specific, and tied to the plants you're really growing.
From the “Harvest” sectionSuccession, scheduled
Want a harvest for six weeks, not six days? It spaces your sowings automatically and reminds you when each new block is due.
From the “When to plant” sectionA record that gets smarter
Every harvest you log teaches it your garden. Next year's plan starts from what actually worked in your soil, not a textbook's.
From the “Overview” sectionMore Tea Herbs
Grow your best Lemon Myrtle yet — and everything around it.
Start a free plan today. Lay out your beds, drop in your Lemon Myrtle, and let PlotMyGarden handle the timing, spacing, companions and reminders from seed to harvest basket.