Lemon Myrtle Native Seeds

LEMON MYRTLE Native Seeds

Botanical Name: Backhousia citriodora
Other Names: Lemon Myrtle, Sweet Verbena Tree, Lemon Scented Myrtle

• Australian native tree celebrated for its intensely lemon-scented, aromatic foliage.
• Produces clusters of creamy white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
• Hardy and adaptable species suited to hedging, screening, and native revegetation projects.
• Fast-growing and tolerates a range of well-draining soils.
• Leaves are highly valued for culinary use, teas, and essential oils.
• Provides habitat for birds and beneficial insects.

Plant Details

• Plant Type: Evergreen native tree / shrub
• Plant Height: 5–15 m tall (can be pruned smaller)

Sowing Information

• Germination: 2–6 weeks
• Depth: Surface sow; press lightly into soil
• Position: Full sun to part shade
• Sow Where: Seed trays or tubes; transplant when seedlings are strong
• Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soils; tolerates sandy or loamy soils
• Spacing: 2–4 m between plants

Growing Tips

• Keep soil consistently moist during early growth.
• Apply mulch to retain moisture and protect roots from heat.
• Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
• Ideal for native gardens, hedges, and bushfood plantings.

Flowering & Fruiting

Lemon Myrtle produces clusters of creamy white flowers in spring and summer, followed by small woody capsules containing seeds for propagation.

Traditional & Practical Uses

• Leaves traditionally used by Indigenous Australians for culinary and medicinal purposes.
• Commercially cultivated for essential oils and bushfood products.
• Planted for windbreaks, hedging, habitat restoration, and ornamental native gardens.

When to Sow Lemon Myrtle in Your Climate