Growing
Because this woody shrub is highly sensitive to cold, you should treat it as a tender perennial that requires protection once temperatures drop. If you live in a region where light frosts occur, plan to bring your container indoors or provide heavy mulch to insulate the roots. When planting, ensure your soil stays within a slightly acidic to neutral range, ideally between pH 6.0 and 7.5, and prioritize excellent drainage to prevent the roots from sitting in waterlogged earth.
To get the most intense citrus aroma, harvest the leaves when they are vibrant and fragrant, as the plant does not continue to develop flavor once picked. You can prune the stems to manage the shrub's growth habit and encourage new, lush foliage. For culinary use, wash the leaves thoroughly before incorporating them into fish, poultry, or teas. If you have a large harvest, you can preserve the bright scent by drying the leaves or freezing them for later use in beverages and dressings.
Plant Witch