Learning Download: How to Grow Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and is a perennial herb, which means it comes back each year. Its leaves look similar to that of a mint plant, but they have a slight lemon smell. Lemon balm also produces small white flowers. In addition to its edible leaves and nice fragrance, lemon balm will attract bees and other pollinators
to the garden.

Before Planting: Plant lemon balm after all dangers of frost has passed. The herb can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost and then transplanted into the garden.

Planting: If planting from seed, barely cover the seeds with soil. When transplanting lemon balm into the garden, choose a spot where the plant will be protected from the harsh midday sun. If planting seeds directly into the garden, loosen the soil with a rake prior to planting. Plant the seeds at least 12 inches apart in rows set 2 feet apart.

Watering: Once the lemon balm has sprouted, continue to water regularly.

Fertilizer: It is suggested that gardeners don’t fertilize lemon balm very much, as too much fertilizer can cause the herb’s scent to fade. However, since lemon balm is harvested for its leaves, a little bit of fertilizer can encourage more growth. Add a continuous-release fertilizer at the rate the label recommends. You can also amend the soil with compost cottonseed meal or bloodmeal.

Days to Maturity: Lemon balm is ready to harvest once its leaves reach the desired size. (See variety for days to maturity)

Harvesting: Use snips to cut off portions of the lemon balm to use. Leaves can be harvested throughout the summer.

Tips: Lemon balm responds well to cutting back, so cut the plant back at the end of each season and it will grow back bushier than before.