Tips For Growing Lemon Balm

Quick Guide to Growing Lemon Balm Plant lemon balm during the warm weather of late spring, once all chances of frost have passed. Space lemon balm 20 to 24 inches apart in an area with partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

How do you care for a lemon balm plant?
What does lemon balm need to grow?
Is Lemon balm easy to grow from seed?
Can lemon balm grow in shade?
Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?
How often should I water lemon balm?
What is the difference between lemon balm and mint?
Does lemon balm need sun?
Can I plant lemon balm and mint together?
Does lemon balm attract bees?
Does lemon balm plant spread?
Can I eat lemon balm leaves?

How do you care for a lemon balm plant?

Watering: Lemon balm requires regular, even watering. It grows best in slightly moist soil. Once established lemon balm tolerates drought. Feeding: Lemon balm does not require extra feeding; side-dress plants with aged compost during the growing season.

What does lemon balm need to grow?

The plants aren't picky about where they grow and will grow in almost any soil, but they prefer rich, well drained soil. Lemon balm plants will grow in part shade to full sun, but flourish best in full sun. It isn't recommended that you fertilize lemon balm, as this can cause the strength of its scent to be reduced.

Is Lemon balm easy to grow from seed?

Like most mint family members, lemon balm is easily started from seed. For outdoor culture, seed can be sown either in mid-spring after all danger of frost has passed or in early fall to late winter.

Can lemon balm grow in shade?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a perennial herb hardy to USDA Zone 3, tolerates partial shade and grows well in poor soil as long as the drainage is good. It self-sows easily. Lemon balm may be used in teas, salads and fish dishes or with fruit.

Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?

Lemon Balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. ... The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.

How often should I water lemon balm?

Water deeply enough to saturate the roots, and then allow the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering again, as soggy soil may cause the plant to rot. Lemon balm in containers may require water every day, especially during hot, dry weather.

What is the difference between lemon balm and mint?

While mint and lemon balm do come from the same family, they come from different branches of that family. ... Lemon balm's flavor is mildly lemony with a very subtle mint note, while mint's flavor is simply minty with no lemon note.

Does lemon balm need sun?

Perhaps it is in too much sun. Many herbs do well in the sun, but lemon balm needs shade. Especially in areas in which the summer sun is hot, this plant grows best with some shade in the afternoon or in a spot where there are tall trees to lessen the intensity of the sun.

Can I plant lemon balm and mint together?

The mint family plants, which include peppermint, spearmint, catmint, flavored mints such as orange mint and lemon balm, are spreading plants. ... Don't mix different mints in the same box because they interbreed and will produce some new and probably not as deliciously fragrant varieties.

Does lemon balm attract bees?

Lemon balm is a great plant to use as a border to a garden because not only will it emit its fragrant lemony odor when brushed, but it will attract bees into the garden.

Does lemon balm plant spread?

Lemon balm can be grown in full sun to partial shade in soils that are moist but well drained. It can be propagated by seeds, division or stem cuttings. ... While mint can spread rapidly by underground stems, lemon balm spreads by setting lots of seed and can, if allowed to go unchecked start to overtake the garden.

Can I eat lemon balm leaves?

I especially like to toss a few fresh leaves into a salad or a bowl of mixed fresh fruit or use it in a vinaigrette for marinades and salads. It also makes great herb butter. ... It is also a common ingredient in herbal teas. A handful of fresh lemon balm and mint makes an excellent hot or iced tea, especially with honey.