How to Grow Lemon Balm Plants

About Growing Lemon Balm Plants in Your Herb Garden

Lemon Balm, or Balm Lemon, is an easy-to-grow perennial herb. As its name suggests, it gives off a lemony scent in the herb garden. The scent is easily released from the leaves, even by lightly brushing by the plant. The edible leaves have a lemony flavor, too. Native to Asia and the Mediterranean region, Lemon Balm feels right at home in full sun, or in a lightly shaded area of your garden. We recommend growing Lemon Balm plants right near your kitchen window. It is the perfect location. The plant’s lemony scent will waft into your kitchen on a gentle breeze.

Lemon Balm plants are very aggressive and grow like weeds. We recommend containing them with a border edging around the plants, dug about 6-8 inches below the soil.

Bees are attracted to the flowers.

In addition to culinary uses, try Lemon Balm in potpourris and sachets.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Medicinal Uses:

Lemon Balm is used medicinally for many things, including:

Boosts immunity
Fights cancers
Fights STDs
Heart health, protecting against heart attacks and strokes
Improve mental cognition
Improves sleep quality
Helps manage diabetes by lowering blood sugars
Skincare and to treat acne

Main Culinary Uses:

Lemon Balm flavors sauces, salads, soups, teas, stews, and meat dishes. It can be used to flavor teas and fruit punches.

Nutritional Value

100 grams of Lemon Balm leaves contain approximately:

330 Calories
73 g carbs
0 cholesterol
0 g fat
3 g fiber
10 g protein

Note: Different varieties may have somewhat different nutritional value.

Lemon Balm Plant Growing Specifications

Days to Harvest: Begin harvesting leaves in late spring to early summer just before the plant begins to flower.

Plant Height: 10 to 24 inches tall.

Light Needs: Full sunlight to partial sunlight.

Ideal Soil pH : 5.0– 7.0.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 4 – 9

Ideal Growing Temperatures: Daytime: 60 – 75° F.

Plant Type: Perennial.

Deer Resistant? Yes. Deer, rabbits, and other pests do not like the strong scent and taste.

Native To: Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia.

Botanical Name: Melissa Officinalis

Lemon Balm Plant Propagation

Lemon Balm is grown from seed. We recommend an early, indoor start. If planted outdoors, the tiny seeds can easily wash out of the soil in a spring rain.

For outdoor starts, sow seeds and barely cover with soil. The seeds need light to germinate. Water lightly, to avoid washing seeds out of the soil, or down too deep into the soil

For indoor starts, sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting them outdoors. Also, we recommend a heated germination mat, for faster, more successful germination.

Lemon Balm is also commonly grown by division of the roots. Left unattended, this aggressive plant will do just fine, rapidly spreading its roots into other areas of the garden or lawn. Also, Lemon Balm can be propagated by cuttings.

Days to Germination: 10 – 14 days.

Final Plant Spacing: Space seedlings, or thin plants to 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart. The plants will quickly grow and spread if allowed. They will tolerate a little crowding.

How to Grow Lemon Balm Plants

Planting and Soil Needs

Lemon Balm plants are easy to grow. They prefer full sun. However, in hotter regions, they grow better with a little partial sunlight during the hottest part of the day in midsummer. They do well in average soils and tolerate dry soil conditions.

For optimal growth, mix compost into the soil at planting time.

Lemon Balm is a somewhat hardy cool-weather plant. It overwinters successfully in most areas where temperatures do not go below 20° F. In colder regions, apply a thick layer of mulch around the plants. This helps to protect the roots.

Light Requirement

Select a location in your garden where Lemon Balm plants will receive at least seven to eight hours of bright, direct sun. More sunlight is better.

In hotter regions, select a growing location that has partial sunlight or light shade during the midafternoon to protect it from damage by the hot rays of the sun.

Fertilizer Needs

Lemon Balm plants are not heavy feeders. As a result, you can grow it successfully in average soils without adding a lot of fertilizer.

Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. In rich soils, the plants will not need additional fertilizer.

Water Needs

This herb plant tolerates dry soil. Allow the soil to dry between watering. But, add water during extended droughts.

Other Steps

Weeds rob valuable water and soil nutrients. Therefore, keep young Lemon Balm plants well-weeded. Then, after they have grown several inches, apply a layer of mulch. This helps to retain soil moisture and gives the plant a neat and tidy appearance.

The flowers go to seed quickly. Aggressively cut back plants to promote lush, new growth.

Insect and Plant Disease Problems

Insect and disease problems are uncommon.

Also see:

Plant Problems – causes and cures

Harvesting Lemon Balm Herb

Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender. To preserve the leaves, dry them immediately. Then, put dried leaves in a sealed container to retain their flavor.