Lemon balm, (Melissa officinalis), is really easy to grow from seed and you can start harvesting leaves after about a month. I don’t recommend growing lemon balm in your gardens or raised beds because it will absolutely take over and choke out other plants. Grow it in large pots housed on gravel or cement and be sure to remove flowering stalks before they go to seed.
Lemon balm has a beautiful lemony scent that attracts bees and other pollinators, helping to build a healthy ecosystem. The kids in my neighborhood love pulling the leaves off my lemon balm bushes and crushing them in their hands to smell.
Lemon balm has a long history of medicinal use. Its leaves possess calming properties, aiding in sleep, reducing anxiety, and alleviating digestive problems. Add the leaves to salads, teas, pestos, or use as a garnish.
Understanding Lemon Balm’s Growing Habits
Will lemon balm come back every year?
Lemon balm is a perennial herb and, weather permitting, will return year after year. The lifespan of lemon balm is approximately 3-5 years, and with proper care will last much longer. My lemon balm plants have lasted over 14 years!
How tall does lemon balm get?
Generally, it grows to a height of 12-24 inches and can reach up to 2-3 feet wide.
Does lemon balm spread easily?
Lemon balm spreads very easily by its network of underground stems, called rhizomes. It can become weedy and take over an area very quickly. Keep your plants in check by containing them to pots stored on cement, pavers, or gravel and prune flowering stalks before they go to seed.
Choosing the Right Location
Lemon balm prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 5 hours of sunlight per day. Most of my plants are in partial shade so they bush out with longer stems and larger leaves. The plants in full sun are more compact and have smaller leaves.
Learn how to make fresh lemon balm tincture
Planting Lemon Balm: Step by Step
Sowing the Seeds
Plant lemon balm in the spring, around April or May. To sow the seeds, sprinkle them thinly over the soil’s surface. Gently press them in to ensure good contact, but do not cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate. Use a light misting spray bottle to gently water the seeds so they remain in place.
Lemon balm seeds from seedsnow.com
Caring for the Seedlings
Lemon balm seeds germinate after about 12-14 days. During this time, make sure the seeds are exposed to light, are kept at a steady temperature of around 68°F (20°C), and trap moisture in with a dome or plastic wrap.
Transplanting the Seedlings
Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have developed their second set of true leaves (these will look different from the first pair that emerged), they are ready to be transplanted to their final location. If you started the seeds indoors, harden off the seedlings first by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or so.
Dig a hole in the prepared soil, making it deep enough to accommodate the root system of the seedling. Gently remove the seedling from its container, being careful not to damage the roots. Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it gently around the base of the plant.
Aftercare
Water the newly transplanted lemon balm thoroughly, and continue to provide it with regular water during its first growing season. This helps to establish a deep, healthy root system. After that, lemon balm will require watering less frequently.
Don’t forget to add mulch around the base of the plant. This will help to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Caring for Your Lemon Balm
Give the plant a deep watering at the root level about once a week, depending on weather conditions.
Can you leave lemon balm outside in winter?
I leave my lemon balm pots outside during winter covered under a big mound of fallen leaves to protect them from freezing temperatures. You can also put them under a covered patio or in a garage.
The leaves and stems die back in the late fall but new growth will appear around early April.
In milder climates, lemon balm may retain some of its leaves throughout winter, although they often turn a bit ragged and lose some of potency.
Harvesting Lemon Balm
The best time to harvest lemon balm is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. This is when the essential oils are at their peak. Never take more than 1/3 of the leaves at a time to avoid stressing out the plant.
Lemon balm leaves are best when used fresh because they don’t retain their flavor when dried. The fresh leaves can be made into tea, added to salads, used as a garnish, or made into pesto. Dried leaves are still useful and can be used in teas, soups, and salves.
To dry lemon balm leaves, hang bunches of stems upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Once completely dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers.
Propagation and Multiplication
If your lemon balm starts to outgrow its pot, divide the root clump and re-pot the divisions. Use a sharp knife to separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with a few shoots. Immediately re-pot the new divisions and bury them at the same depth as before. Give them a deep watering and keep them in the shade for a day or two to allow them to settle.
Common Problems and Solutions
Lemon balm can experience problems like powdery mildew or leaf spot diseases. Regular monitoring and proper care will help you avoid these issues.
Powdery Mildew
This fungal disease can appear as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It’s often caused by poor air circulation or high humidity. To prevent it, ensure your plants have enough space for air to circulate around them. If powdery mildew appears, you can treat it with a homemade solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda mixed in a gallon of water. Lightly spray this on the affected leaves and avoid insects. This increases the pH level on the leaves, killing the spores.
Leaf Spot
This is another fungal disease that can cause brown spots on the leaves. It’s often the result of water sitting on the leaves for extended periods. Prune any affected leaves. To prevent leaf spot, water at the base of the plant rather than from above, and do so in the morning so any excess water can evaporate during the day.
Aphids
These tiny insects can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. They also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plants with a strong stream of water to knock the insects off.
Frost Damage
In areas with harsh winters, lemon balm can sustain frost damage. While the plant should regrow from the roots in the spring, it can help to provide some extra protection by applying a layer of straw or other mulch around the base of the plant in late fall.
