

How to Grow and Use Lemon Balm: A Complete Guide to Cultivating This Fragrant Herb
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a delightful perennial herb in the mint family, valued for its fresh, citrusy aroma and flavour. Known for its calming properties and versatility in the kitchen, lemon balm is a favourite among gardeners and herbalists. Its low-maintenance nature and pollinator-friendly blooms make it an excellent addition to any garden or container.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about growing and caring for lemon balm, from planting and maintenance to harvesting and culinary uses.
Understanding the Lemon Balm Plant
Lemon balm is a hardy herb that grows up to 60–90 cm tall, with bright green, oval-shaped leaves and small white or pale yellow flowers that bloom in summer. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, this aromatic herb is known for attracting bees and other pollinators, earning it the nickname "bee balm."
Lemon balm thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil, making it a versatile choice for herb gardens, borders, and containers.
How to Plant Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is easy to grow and thrives in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
When and Where to Plant Lemon Balm
- Timing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors in spring after the risk of frost has passed. You can also plant divisions or transplants in spring or autumn.
- Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Lemon balm tolerates some shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Soil: Use well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter for best results.
Steps for Planting Lemon Balm
- Sow Seeds or Plant Divisions: Scatter seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with 0.5 cm of soil. Space plants 30–45 cm apart.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the soil after planting and keep it consistently moist until germination or establishment.
- Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Propagating Lemon Balm
Lemon balm can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division.
- Seeds: Sow seeds indoors or outdoors in spring. Germination typically occurs within 7–14 days.
- Cuttings: Take 8–10 cm cuttings from a healthy plant, remove lower leaves, and root in moist soil or water.
- Division: Divide mature plants in spring or autumn by digging up the root ball and separating it into smaller sections.
Caring for Lemon Balm Plants
Lemon balm is a hardy and low-maintenance herb that thrives with minimal care.
Light, Soil, and Water Requirements
- Light: Provide full sun for optimal growth and flavour. In hot climates, lemon balm benefits from partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining and moderately fertile. Lemon balm adapts well to a variety of soil types.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, as lemon balm does not tolerate soggy conditions.
Fertiliser Needs
Lemon balm requires little fertiliser. Feed the plant with a balanced, organic fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth. Over-fertilising can result in reduced aroma and flavour.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning keeps lemon balm healthy and prevents it from becoming invasive.
- When to Prune: Trim the plant regularly during the growing season to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
- How to Prune: Use scissors to cut back stems by one-third, focusing on removing leggy or damaged growth.
- Control Spread: Lemon balm can self-seed aggressively. Remove flower heads before they set seed to control its spread.
Common Pests and Diseases
Lemon balm is relatively pest-resistant but may encounter occasional issues.
- Aphids: Wash them off with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Powdery Mildew: Prevent fungal infections by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
- Slugs and Snails: Protect young plants with organic slug pellets or barriers.
Harvesting Lemon Balm
Lemon balm can be harvested throughout the growing season.
- When to Harvest: Start harvesting leaves once the plant reaches 15–20 cm in height. Harvest before flowering for the best flavour and aroma.
- How to Harvest: Use scissors to snip individual leaves or cut stems, leaving enough foliage for regrowth.
- Storage: Use fresh lemon balm leaves immediately or store them in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel. For long-term storage, dry the leaves and store them in an airtight container.
Cooking and Culinary Uses for Lemon Balm
Lemon balm’s citrusy aroma and flavour make it a versatile herb in the kitchen.
- Teas and Infusions: Brew fresh or dried leaves for a soothing herbal tea. Lemon balm also works well in infused waters, cocktails, and syrups.
- Seasoning: Add chopped leaves to salads, sauces, marinades, and desserts for a refreshing twist.
- Garnish: Use fresh sprigs as a garnish for fish, poultry, or fruit dishes.
- Baking: Incorporate lemon balm into cakes, cookies, or breads for a subtle lemony flavour.
Lemon balm pairs well with ingredients like honey, mint, citrus fruits, and berries, making it a versatile addition to sweet and savoury recipes.
The Joy of Growing Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a rewarding herb to grow, offering beauty, fragrance, and functionality. Its ease of cultivation and diverse uses make it a must-have for herb enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
Start growing lemon balm today and enjoy its calming properties, culinary versatility, and ability to attract pollinators to your garden. Whether in a border, container, or windowsill, lemon balm will bring a refreshing touch to your home and kitchen.