Lemon Myrtle: Uses, Growing & Buying Guide

There’s a lemon-scented secret growing in the Queensland rainforest, and it’s not a citrus at all. Backhousia citriodora, better known as lemon myrtle, packs a citrus flavor so concentrated it has been used by Aboriginal communities for generations and is now finding its way into kitchens and gardens worldwide. This guide covers how to grow it, cook with it, and where to buy the real deal.

Scientific name: Backhousia citriodora ·
Native to: Australia ·
Height: 8–20 m (26–66 ft) ·
Leaf use: Culinary herb, essential oil ·
Flowering season: Summer ·
Growth rate: Fast (1–2 m per year)

Six key facts, one pattern: lemon myrtle is a versatile tree that earns its keep whether you grow it for the kitchen, the garden, or the distillery.

The pattern: every part of this tree — leaf, flower, oil — has a practical use, making it one of the most efficient native plants you can grow. The catch: its frost sensitivity means it’s not for every climate.

What is lemon myrtle used for?

Lemon myrtle leaves pack a citrus punch without the acidity of actual lemons, making them a smart swap in recipes where lemon juice would curdle dairy. Backhousia citriodora has been used in teas, baked goods, sauces, marinades, and even ice cream (Wikipedia).

Can you eat lemon myrtle?

Yes — and it’s been eaten for thousands of years. Traditional Aboriginal communities used the leaves both as a food flavoring and in medicinal preparations (PMC review). Today you’ll find it in everything from shortbread and cheesecake to infused oils and vinegar. The dried, milled leaf is sold as a spice. The citral content — the compound responsible for the lemon aroma — is considered safe for food use (PMC).

What does a lemon myrtle taste like?

Strong lemon-lime, with a floral undertone. It’s sweeter and less sour than lemon zest. One plant seller describes it as having a “strong lemon-lime flavor” suitable for marinades, dressings, desserts, and beverages (ExpertEasy).

How do you use lemon myrtle in cooking?

• Dried leaves in tea blends and herbal infusions (Wikipedia)
• Powdered leaf in shortbread, pasta, baked fish, cheesecake, ice cream, and sorbet (Wikipedia)
• Infused oils and vinegars for salad dressings (PMC)
• In milk-based foods — lemon myrtle won’t cause curdling the way lemon juice does (Wikipedia)

The implication: if you’re lactose-sensitive or simply tired of lemon curdling your cream sauces, lemon myrtle is your solution. For home cooks, it’s a one-leaf replacement for lemon zest, lemon verbena, and lemongrass. For a broader look at natural wonders, explore our article on Coral Reefs: Types, Threats, and the Future.

Where is the best place to plant a lemon myrtle tree?

In its native Queensland, lemon myrtle thrives in subtropical rainforest conditions. Your main constraint: frost. This tree is frost-sensitive, so warm climates or protected microclimates are essential (Sunshine Coast Plants).

Does lemon myrtle grow in pots?

Yes, and it’s a practical option for gardeners in colder regions. A large pot (minimum 40 cm diameter) with well-drained, fertile soil and added organic matter works well (Sunshine Coast Plants). Keep it pruned to control size. Move the pot indoors or to a sheltered spot when frost threatens.

How quickly does lemon myrtle grow?

Fast — expect 1–2 meters per year under ideal conditions. For a hedge, space plants about 2–3 meters apart (Sunshine Coast Plants). Plant in spring or early autumn for best results. Follow these steps for successful seed propagation:

1. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting (ExpertEasy).
2. Fill a pot (minimum 40 cm diameter) with well-drained, fertile soil.
3. Plant seeds about 1 cm deep and maintain a temperature around 25°C (ExpertEasy).
4. Water regularly to keep the soil moist; place in full sun to partial shade.

• Full sun to partial shade (Sunshine Coast Plants)
• Well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter (Sunshine Coast Plants)
• Regular watering, especially in warm months (Sunshine Coast Plants)
• Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape (Sunshine Coast Plants)

The catch: even a light frost will damage young trees. If you’re in USDA zone 8 or colder, plan on container growing with winter protection. For pet owners considering lemon myrtle, see our guide on German Shepherd in Ireland: Temperament, Health & Legal Guide.

How big does lemon myrtle grow?

In the wild, Backhousia citriodora reaches 8–20 meters (26–66 feet) tall. In cultivation, regular pruning keeps it much smaller — typically 3–5 meters as a garden tree or shrub (Wikipedia). The trade-off: height vs. leaf production. Taller trees produce more leaves per season.

What is the lifespan of a myrtle plant?

Lemon myrtle can live 50–100 years in ideal conditions. The common myrtle (Myrtus communis) has a similar range, though specific data for lemon myrtle in cultivation varies (Wikipedia).

What is the magical use of myrtle?

Myrtle has deep roots in folklore. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was sacred to Aphrodite and Venus, associated with love, beauty, and marriage (Wikipedia). Medieval European traditions used myrtle for peace, prosperity, and protection rituals.

Lemon myrtle as a distinct species doesn’t have the same documented history, but modern practitioners adapt the older symbolism: using the leaves for love spells, purification baths, and protection charms. The difference: common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is the classic ritual plant; lemon myrtle is a contemporary substitute.

The implication: if you’re following European folk traditions, stick with common myrtle. If you’re building a new practice with Australian native plants, lemon myrtle works — but its magical uses are modern inventions, not ancient ones.

Where can I buy lemon myrtle?

You have two routes: plant nurseries for live trees and specialty food retailers for leaf products. Online retailers are the most practical option outside Australia.

• Fresh or dried leaf: Health food stores, specialty herb shops, online spice retailers
• Essential oil: Aromatherapy suppliers, select health stores
• Live plants: Australian native plant nurseries including Sunshine Coast Plants and eGardens (eGardens)
• Dried powder: Bulk herb suppliers, online spice shops

Check for organic certification if purity matters — commercial lemon myrtle is sometimes sprayed for leaf miners. Look for a strong lemon smell when you open the package; that’s the citral content, and it degrades over time.

The pattern: the buying experience splits by use case. Cooks want dried leaf or powder. Gardeners want live plants. Distillers want bulk fresh leaf. One size does not fit all.

“Lemon myrtle is the ‘Queen of the Lemon Herbs’.”

Tuckerbush.com.au, a specialty native food retailer

“Backhousia citriodora is a flowering tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to the rainforests of Queensland.”

Wikipedia entry

Frequently asked questions

For the home cook in a cooler climate, the choice is clear: grow it in a pot, bring it indoors for winter, and enjoy year-round access to the most versatile citrus substitute you’ve never tried. For the gardener with subtropical conditions, plant it now and watch it grow a meter a year. Either way, you’re getting a tree that gives back — in the kitchen, in the garden, and in the story it tells about Australian native food.