Growing Lemon Balm

Many people start growing lemon balm (melissa officinalis) to make tea. The leaves often are used in combination with chamomile, to relax the body and induce sleep.

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Lemon balm should not be confused with bee balm.

Lemon balm is not as invasive as many other herbs in the mint family, but it does self-sow abundantly.

The seedlings are easy to weed out, or simply snip off the flowering stalks before they set seed.

This herb also has its uses in cooking, and homemade crafts and cosmetics.

Description

Lemon balm is a perennial herb to grows about 1 to 2 feet tall in zones 4 to 9.

Flowers: Clusters of 1/2 inch long tubular whitish flowers bloom in midsummer where the leaves join the stems.

Leaves: The opposite leaves are bright green and have toothed edges. The plants will die back over winter.

Flavor and fragrance: Lemon balm as you might expect has a honey-sweet lemony flavor and fragrance.

How To Grow

When to plant: Sow the seeds in the garden about two weeks before your last spring frost, or start the seeds indoors about eight weeks before your last spring frost date and transplant the seedlings to the garden a week before.

Divide the plants in spring or early summer; replant and water well until they are established.

Where to plant: Lemon balm prefers full sun in the North, and filtered shade in the South.

Soil and fertility: Plant in well-drained soil of average fertility.

Plant spacing: Space the plants 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart.

Pests: Usually pest-free

Diseases: Powdery mildew may appear late in the season.

Harvesting

When to harvest: You can harvest the leaves anytime for immediate use, gathering them in the morning after the dew has dried. Collect the leaves for drying before the plant flowers.

How to harvest: Snip off the stem tips when harvesting only a small amount of leaves. For drying in larger quantities, cut the whole stem 4 inches above the soil's surface.

Drying: Lemon balm tends to darken when air dried. Strip the leaves from the stems and place them on the fruit leather insert of a dehydrator.

Freezing: You can freeze whole lemon balm leaves in ice cubes for a decorative effect in ice teas.

Uses

Cooking: Use minced fresh lemon balm in salads, sauces, sauerkraut, and stuffings. You can also use on vegetables, chicken, and fish dishes.

Teas: Lemon balm is an excellent tea herb, either by itself or in combination with other herbs.

Cosmetic: Use lemon balm to condition oily hair.

Crafts: Mix dried leaves in potpourris.

Growing lemon balm is easy, but it does require some regular attention.