Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a delightful herb prized for its lemon-scented foliage and various culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. Growing lemon balm not only adds a refreshing aroma to your garden but also provides you with a versatile herb for teas, culinary dishes, and herbal remedies.

Preparing for Growing:

• Selecting a planting location: Choose a partially shaded to sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Soil preparation: Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Lemon balm prefers loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Purchasing or preparing containers/pots: If growing in containers, choose pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Starting from Seeds Indoors:

• Seed preparation: Lemon balm seeds do not require special treatment before sowing.
• Choosing suitable pots/containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with well-draining potting mix.
• Sowing and caring for seeds indoors: Sow lemon balm seeds thinly on the surface of the soil, cover lightly, and keep the soil consistently moist. Place the containers in a warm, bright location or under grow lights.

Starting from Seeds Outdoors:

• Soil preparation: Prepare the outdoor planting area as described earlier.
• Selecting appropriate timing and method for outdoor sowing: Sow lemon balm seeds outdoors after the last frost date in spring. Scatter seeds over the prepared soil and cover lightly.
• Caring for seeds outdoors: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days.

Growing in Containers/Pots:

• Selecting suitable plants for containers: Lemon balm grows well in containers and hanging baskets.
• Container and soil preparation: Use well-draining containers filled with a mixture of potting soil and compost.
• Sowing or transplanting plants into containers: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into containers following the same procedure as outdoor planting.
• Caring for container plants: Place containers in a location with partial sun exposure, water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Transplanting to Garden:

• Soil and planting site preparation: Choose a partially shaded to sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Correct timing and method for transplanting: Transplant lemon balm seedlings outdoors after the last frost date, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
• Post-transplant care: Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly and provide shade for a few days to help them acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Plant Care:

• Watering: Lemon balm prefers consistently moist soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
• Weeding: Keep the area around lemon balm plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Pest and disease management: Lemon balm is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but occasional aphids or powdery mildew may occur. Monitor plants regularly and treat infestations promptly with organic remedies if necessary.

Harvesting:

• Determining when plants are ready for harvest: Harvest lemon balm leaves when the plant is actively growing and has reached a height of 6-8 inches.
• Harvesting and storage guidelines: Cut stems with a sharp pair of scissors or pruners. Harvest leaves in the morning when essential oil content is highest. Use fresh or dry leaves for culinary or medicinal purposes.

When to Start from Seeds by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

• Start lemon balm seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area or sow them directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Fast Facts:

• Planting depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or scatter them over the soil surface.
• Seed spacing: Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart.
• Plant spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Number of seeds per pot/container: Sow several seeds per container and thin to the strongest seedling.
• Water preferences: Lemon balm prefers consistently moist soil.
• Sun preferences: Partial shade to full sun.
• Soil type and other important factors: Well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Companion Planting: Lemon balm attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plant near vegetables to enhance pollination.
• Temperature Preference: Lemon balm thrives in moderate temperatures but can tolerate mild frost.
• Days to Germination: Lemon balm seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
• Days to Harvest: Lemon balm leaves can be harvested when the plant is actively growing, usually after 6-8 weeks.