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Lemon balm is one of those herbs I associate with a soothing herbal tea. A calming tea blend is what led me to start growing this fragrant member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). While lemon balm doesn’t have the sophisticated underground runner system that mint has, it does like to reseed itself. In other words, plant it once and you may never have to plant it again! In this article, I’m going to share some growing tips, as well as why growing lemon balm in pots may be a better option than planting it in the ground.
Lemon balm is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. Its healing history dates back to Greek mythology. And while its common name denotes soothing, the etymology reveals that its Latin name, Melissa officinalis, is based on the Greek word for honeybee (Melissa).
The leaves of lemon balm are commonly found in herbal tea blends (or on their own) and brewed to help with indigestion, improve sleep and reduce anxiety. The foliage has a mild lemony scent and flavor as the name suggests. Fresh lemon balm leaves are used in recipes beyond the teacup in everything from lemonades and spritzers to simple syrup. And they make nice garnishes, just like mint.
Including lemon balm in an herb garden
It may be from the Mediterranean, but lemon balm is one of those hardy herbs that doesn’t mind a colder climate. This herbaceous perennial can survive in lower growing zones with winters that reach -20°F to -10°F (-28.9°C to -23.3°C). It’s also drought and deer resistant as these four-legged foragers do not enjoy the fragrance.
Lemon balm is among the first plants in my garden to make an appearance in early spring, usually around the same time as tiny oregano leaves and chive shoots begin to appear. And if you allow it to flower later in the season, it will attract bees to the garden.
Growing lemon balm from seed
You may find potted lemon balm at the local garden center, but it’s also possible to grow it from seed. Place your pot in an area of the garden that gets full sun to partial shade. Or choose a spot in the garden, keeping in mind the plants can reach 18″ to 24″ (1½ to 2 feet) tall and 24″ to 36″ (2 to 3 feet) wide. I have lemon balm plants that grow just fine in a raised bed that gets a lot of dappled shade. If you’re direct sowing seeds, amend the garden with a bit of compost before planting.
Since I planted my one lemon balm plant in the aforementioned raised bed, I’ve had several plants pop up in random areas outside of that garden. The plants are pretty easy to keep contained, but they do reseed themselves very easily. This is why growing lemon balm in pots may be a better option.
Sow lemon balm seeds outside one to two weeks after your last frost date, in late spring. Seeds can also be started indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. The seeds are very tiny, so they do not need to be buried. Scatter them on top of your seed-starting mix and sprinkle a little overtop or press them gently into the surface of the soil.
Water seeds sparingly, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Before planting lemon balm seedlings outside, be sure to harden them off first.
Growing lemon balm in pots instead of in the ground
Planting your lemon balm in a pot will help to keep it contained. Consider adding it to ornamental container arrangements for its foliage. Or, plant it on its own in a decorative pot.
Be sure your pot has good drainage holes. Lemon balm doesn’t mind moisture, but you want well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Size-wise, make sure your pot is at least eight inches (20 cm) in diameter.
Fill your container with well-draining potting soil formulated for growing vegetables and herbs. Depending on the size of your pot, chances are you’ll only need one seedling per pot. Once it’s established, the plant will really take off, producing lots of foliage.
If lemon balm survives the winter, established plants will eventually require dividing. Pot up your new transplants or share them with a friend.
Caring for lemon balm plants
Water your potted lemon balm regularly. The plant is fairly drought tolerant, but a pot will dry out much sooner than the ground.
Regular harvests, even if you aren’t going to use the leaves, can delay flowering. This is a good thing if you’re growing the herb to use fresh or dried. A good pruning can also lead to a bushier plant and improve air circulation around the leaves. This helps to avoid powdery mildew, as well.
Use sharp gardening scissors or small hand pruners to prune above a leaf node to promote healthy new growth. You can remove about one third of the plant. This can also be done if you find the stems are getting a bit leggy.
I don’t tend to fertilize my herbs, but you can add an organic fertilizer when you are tending to other vegetables in the garden.
Lemon balm essential oils are used to repel pests like spider mites, but the plant itself is relatively unbothered by insects. Aphids will sometimes find a plant, but not in my experience as there is usually a lot of other things to feast on in the garden. Lemon balm can also become afflicted by mint rust, which is a fungus.
Once the plant has flowered, deadhead the flowers before the seeds have formed to prevent the plant from spreading.
Harvesting lemon balm leaves
Lemon balm leaves are best used right away if you want to enjoy them fresh. Harvest lemon balm first thing in the morning. To dry it for lemon balm tea (or an herbal blend), I tie sprigs with twine and hang them upside down on a curtain rod in my dining room. I allow the leaves to hang for a few weeks. When they crumble easily, the dried leaves are crushed and stored in an airtight container.
What to do with potted lemon balm in the winter
You can store potted lemon balm in a couple of ways. You can bring the pots into an unheated garage or shed for the winter. Or, place your pot in the garden or in a sheltered spot and insulate well around and in the pot with fall leaves.
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