Lemon Balm
Lemon balm fills the herb garden with a bright, clean citrus scent that bees absolutely cannot resist.
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The Calming Citrus Herb
Lemon balm has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, prized by ancient Greeks and Romans for its calming properties and irresistible lemony fragrance. A member of the mint family, it shares that clan's vigorous, spreading nature and square stems, while offering a gentler, more refined scent than its rowdy relatives.
The leaves brew into a soothing herbal tea long used to ease anxiety and aid sleep, and modern research lends some support to these traditional uses. In the kitchen, fresh leaves brighten salads, fish dishes, and desserts. In the garden, the tiny white flowers draw honeybees in extraordinary numbers - the genus name Melissa is Greek for 'bee.'
Planting & care
Plant lemon balm in spring after the last frost, spacing plants 18-24 in apart in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It adapts readily to average soil and actually produces more aromatic foliage when conditions are not too rich - go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps leaves from scorching and prolongs the harvest season.
Harvest regularly by cutting stems back by one-third to keep the plant bushy and delay flowering, as leaf quality declines once blooms appear. Cut the plant back hard in midsummer if it gets leggy or sets seed - it will flush out fresh growth quickly. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor and share with fellow gardeners.
Contain It or Commit to It
Lemon balm spreads enthusiastically by seed and underground runners and can become invasive in ideal conditions. Snip off flower heads before they set seed, or grow plants in buried containers to limit spread. That said, a generous patch makes a wonderful aromatic ground cover under fruit trees - just know it's a long-term relationship.
How much sun does Lemon Balm need?
Lemon Balm grows best in full sun to partial shade.
How often should you water Lemon Balm?
Give it about 1 in per week.
When is Lemon Balm ready to harvest?
Lemon Balm is usually ready in 60-90 days from transplant; harvest leaves before flowering for peak flavor.