Lemon Balm is a fragrant, soothing herb with bright green leaves and a mild lemon scent. Known for its calming properties, it’s often used in teas to relieve stress, indigestion, and cold symptoms. Its antiviral and sedative qualities make it a valuable addition to any herbal medicine cabinet. This perennial thrives in partial shade and should be mulched in winter for protection in colder climates.
Lemon Balm Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow lemon balm seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop. Lemon balm thrives in cooler conditions and tolerates light frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or partial shade in hotter climates. Lemon balm grows best in fertile, well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Lemon balm prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly to ensure good contact. Do not cover with soil, as lemon balm seeds need light to germinate.
- Space seeds or plants 12-18 inches apart for proper airflow and growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days. Once established, lemon balm is drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture for lush growth.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start lemon balm seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press gently to ensure contact. Do not bury seeds deeply.
- Mist the soil gently to keep it evenly moist without waterlogging.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Lemon Balm
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth, though lemon balm tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Lemon balm can tolerate short dry periods but performs best with regular watering.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Lemon balm is a light feeder and typically does not require additional fertilization during its growing season.
- Pruning: Regularly harvest leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody. Trim flowers to focus energy on leaf production.
- Pest and Disease Control: Lemon balm is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. Proper spacing ensures good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Harvest fresh leaves as needed once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Snip stems just above a leaf node to encourage regrowth.
- For Drying: Harvest stems before flowering for the best flavor. Dry leaves in a cool, well-ventilated area.
- Storage: Store fresh lemon balm leaves in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dried leaves can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
