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?

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 grow well with?

Most herbs, fruits and vegetables make great lemon balm companions, including the following:

Winter and summer squash.
Melons.
Tomatoes.
All members of the cabbage family (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.)
Apples.
Kiwi.
Onions.
Fennel.

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.

Does lemon balm 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.

How often should lemon balm be watered?

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.

Can I put lemon balm in my water?

Make an herbal water:

This subtly flavored water is so refreshing on a hot summer day! To make: Fill a jar with fresh lemon balm leaves and a thinly sliced lemon. Pour in cold water until it reaches the top. Refrigerate for several hours.

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.

Can you plant lemon balm and peppermint 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.

Is Lemon balm toxic to dogs?

Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.

How long does lemon balm take to germinate?

Seeds should sprout in 5-9 days with soil temperatures ranging from 65-70°F. You can also choose to start seedlings in flats indoors or in a greenhouse in early spring. Sprinkle seeds in trays on top of potting soil, and keep them moist until they sprout.

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.

Will 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 like sun or shade?

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.

When should I cut back lemon balm?

In early summer, cut back variegated cultivars to encourage strongly coloured growth. Cut back plants after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of leaves. Rejuvenate congested clumps of lemon balm by lifting and dividing in the autumn.

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.

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 die in winter?

Growing Lemon Balm Indoors

Overwintering Inside: The plant needs a rest period in the winter. It will die down in the autumn. The best way to overwinter Lemon Balm is to cut it right back to the ground and store in a cool room until the spring.

Can you grow lemon balm in the house?

A hardy perennial shrub that is tolerant to USDA zones 3 through 7, lemon balm can be grown year-round indoors, as well as outdoors in warmer climates.

Does lemon balm make you sleepy?

Lemon balm might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking lemon balm along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

Does lemon balm tea make you sleepy?

Lemon balm

This citrus-scented, aromatic herb has been used for reducing stress and improving sleep since the Middle Ages. Evidence shows that lemon balm increases GABA levels in mice, indicating that lemon balm may act as a sedative ( 16 ).

What does lemon balm do for the body?

Lemon balm is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you to relax, and boost your mood. A 2004 study found that taking lemon balm eased the negative mood effects of laboratory-induced psychological stress. Participants who took lemon balm self-reported an increased sense of calmness and reduced feelings of alertness.