- 1). Harvest small stems from the lower branches of the lemon verbena plant when the plant reaches 2 feet high. Cut a stem with three or more sets of leaves at the base, where the stem joins the main branch. Use sharp garden pruners and only take two to three stems from each branch.
- 2). Snip longer stems from the lemon verbena plant as it matures. Collect up to four or five stems from each branch when the plant has reached a height of 3 feet or more. Stems may be harvested every other week to keep the plant healthy and productive.
- 3). Collect lemon verbena flowers as they emerge, before they are fully open. Cut each flower bunch off 1 inch down the stem to encourage further blooms.
- 4). Gather leaves and flowers in the morning, after the dew has dried. Avoid harvesting lemon verbena in the heat of the day.
- 5). Prune lemon verbena branches back in the autumn. Cut entire branches off 2 inches above ground level and hang them to dry.