How to plant, grow, and harvest 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.
- Start the growing season off right by mixing several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter into your native soil.
What is lemon balm good for?
What are the benefits of lemon balm tea?
- Reduces stress and anxiety. The calming effects of lemon balm tea can help relieve stress even after the toughest days.
- Improves sleep.
- Supports brain health.
- Relieves digestive problems.
- Treats infections.
- Prevents heart disease.
Where can I buy real lemon juice?
- Shake well before use.
- Refrigerate after opening.
- Do not freeze.
- Use by expiration date.
Where do you find plant balm?
You should look for the following:
- Misshaped, curled, or yellow lemon balm leaves
- Sticky substance on the lemon balm stem
- Lemon Balm that are growing deformed
- Galls on the roots or leaves
- Small bugs on the opposite part of the leaf
- Large amounts of small bugs on the stem of the plant.
- Small bugs on the root of the plant
See more
Will lemon balm survive winter?
Like mint, lemon balm is quite hardy and can be overwintered as far north as hardiness zones 4 and 5. It is always a good idea to mulch plants year-round, but winter mulch is of the utmost importance. Mulch helps keep the ground frozen in areas where the ground freezes and keeps it warmer in areas where it doesn't.
Where does lemon balm grow naturally?
Mediterranean BasinLemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family and native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, but now naturalised elsewhere. L. It grows to a maximum height of 1 m (3 ft 3 in). The leaves have a mild lemon scent.
Is lemon balm hard to grow?
Growing lemon balm is very easy. The plants aren't picky about where they grow and will grow in almost any soil, but they prefer rich, well drained soil. Lemon balm plants will grow in part shade to full sun, but flourish best in full sun.
Can lemon balm be grown outdoors?
Lemon balm is a bushy perennial herb with deliciously lemon-scented leaves and creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer. It is vigorous and easy to grow in sun or light shade....Month by month.JanuaryFebruaryMarchSow PlantSow PlantPlantJulyAugustSeptemberHarvestHarvestHarvestOctoberNovemberDecember3 more rows
Does lemon balm plant keep mosquitoes away?
Lemon Balm The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
Can I eat raw lemon balm leaves?
When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.
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.
Do bees like lemon balm?
Lemon Balm (Melissa) – Lemon Balm is known by many names, Melissa, the genus name means “honeybee” and it is definitely a favorite of the bees. It's also a wonderful herb to have on hand. The leaves are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, sedative and aromatic.
Can I plant mint and lemon balm together?
Just because mint proliferates doesn't mean that you can't plant it together with other herbs. Mint grows well with basil, oregano, and lemon balm. When considering which herbs to plant together, you should remember that aromatic herbs like mint help deter pests and attract beneficial insects like honey bees.
What zone is lemon balm?
Lemon Balm Care. 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 grow back every year?
Over-winter lemon balm in a protected area such as an unheated garage or patio. Winter growing: Cut back lemon balm in fall leaving just 2 inches of stem. The plant may freeze back to the ground in winter but will re-grow from underground roots and renew itself in spring.
What does lemon balm attract?
When lemon balm flowers, it brings in bees and butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. (Check out other plants I recommend to attract pollinators here.)
What is the difference between lemon mint and lemon balm?
Lemon balm and Mint have similar origins. They are both from the mint family. Yet, lemon balm has a lemony taste with mild mint undertones, while Mint is sweet with a menthol feel.
Is lemon balm plant edible?
Lemon Balm can be used both in hot and iced teas and in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. The plant is also often used as a flavoring in ice cream and its also suitable for spicing up chicken and fish dishes. Early fresh leaves can be chopped and added to salads.
What are the health benefits of lemon balm?
It can help relieve stress. ... It can help reduce anxiety. ... It may boost cognitive function. ... It can help ease insomnia and other sleep disorders. ... It may help treat cold sores. ... It may help relieve indigestion. ... It can help treat nausea. ... It may help minimize menstrual cramps.More items...
What is the herb lemon balm good for?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
How to grow lemon balm?
Soil preparation: Grow lemon balm in well-drained, sandy loam. However, lemon balm will grow in almost any soil but not very wet soil. It prefers a soil pH of 6.7 to 7.3. Seed starting indoors: Sow seeds indoors about 2 months before transplanting lemon balm into the garden after the last spring frost.
How big does lemon balm grow?
Plant form and size: Lemon balm grows to 12 to 24 inches tall and wide; it grows in clumps of branched stems with loose terminal clusters of small white to creamy yellow flowers at the top. Lemon balm may be mistaken for mint at first glance.
What is lemon balm used for?
It has lemon-scented, mint-like leaves that are often used to make refreshing, lemony hot and cold drinks. The leaves also add a tart lemony flavor to green and fruit salads as well as meats and poultry.
What is the flavor of lemon balm?
Flavor and aroma: Lemon balm has a strong scent of lemon with a touch of mint. Leaves: Use freshly chopped leaves sprinkled lightly on cooked vegetables, green salads, chicken salads, fruit salads for a lemony flavor. Serve with corn, broccoli, asparagus, lamb, shellfish, olives, and beans.
How to keep lemon balm from becoming invasive?
To keep lemon balm from becoming invasive, set it in the garden in a bottomless container that will keep the roots in place. Remove unwanted plants before they become established. Cut plants back by half after flowering to encourage a second crop of leaves and a compact form. Deadhead plants to prevent self-sowing.
How long are lemon balm leaves?
Leaves: Lemon balm has lemon-scented, oval, toothed leaves that are heavily veined or quilted from 2 to 3 inches long arranged opposite one another on four-sided stems. Leave are coarsely toothed with a bristly surface.
How long does it take for lemon balm to dry?
Harvest nearly mature leaves for drying. Leaves must be dried quickly within two days of harvest or they will turn black. Leaves must be dried at 90°F to retain their green color.
What is the best soil for lemon balm?
Lemon balm plants prefer a slightly sandy, well-drained soil. Most basic potting soils will work just fine, but if you find your mixture is a bit dense or stays too moist between watering, combine it with sand or a drier soil varietal like a cactus mix. Additionally, the pH of your soil should be neutral to acidic, with a specific level between 6.7 to 7.3 providing the best environment. When selecting a container to house your lemon balm plant in, choose a pot with ample drainage holes to minimize the risk of the herb becoming waterlogged or the roots rotting. One made of clay or terracotta can also be helpful, as the porous material will help to wick any added moisture from the soil.
How to grow lemon balm from seed?
To start your plant from seed, begin them in a shallow pot or dish, barely covering the seeds with more than a sprinkle of soil (this should be done about six to eight weeks before the last frost if you want to transplant the herb outdoors).
How to prevent lemon balm from getting moldy?
To prevent it from developing, plant your lemon balm with ample room separating it from other plants to allow for good air circulation. If powdery mildew does develop, remove the infected leaves, and treat with a mild fungicide. Read More.
How much sunlight does lemon balm need?
However, unlike an outdoor lemon balm plant—which can tolerate a bit of shade—those planted indoors need ample sunlight, at least five to six hours a day. Place your herb containers near a windowsill that gets ample light throughout the day.
What is lemon balm used for?
Lemon balm also has a unique medicinal history—its use as a curative can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where its leaves were used in a variety of tonics and teas, ...
How to cook with lemon balm?
If you notice small flower buds beginning to form on your lemon balm plant, take care to pinch them off quickly. Once the plant blooms , the flavor of its leaves will change, causing them to taste bitter. To cook with your lemon balm, harvest the leaves as soon as the plant is established and putting out regular new growth.
Can you water lemon balm?
Water. When it comes to watering your lemon balm plant, always err on the side of under-watering, rather than over-watering. The reason: Like many herbs, lemon balm plants can recover easily from wilt (created by thirst) but will quickly die or bolt if watered too much.
How to Plant Lemon Balm?
While planting a lemon balm plant, you must consider the following factors.
How to Grow Lemon Balm in a Pot?
Growing lemon balm in pots is simple and easy. The plants don’t prefer where they grow and will thrive in practically any soil, but they favour rich, well-drained soil. Lemon balm plants may develop in various conditions, from partial shade to full sun, but full sun is ideal.
How to Care for Lemon Balm Plants?
For taking full benefits, lemon balm care is essential. Below are some ways in which you can take care of them.
How to Harvest Lemon Balm?
During the planting season, pluck off and utilise leaves and stems as needed. The strongest fragrance comes from older, lower leaves. The optimal time to collect leaves for drying is before the plant blooms in the summer, when the lower leaves turn yellow.
Preserving and Storing Lemon Balm
Leaves can be plucked from stems and dried in a warm location. Nearly ripe leaves can be harvested and dried. The leaves must be dried soon after harvesting, or they may become black. To keep their green hue, the leaves must be dried at 90°F. Fresh leaves have more flavour than dried leaves.
Lemon balm Tips and Tricks
You must follow the following instructions for lemon balm’s proper and prosperous growth without making it a problem.
Lemon Balm Side Effects
When eaten in medical proportions for a short period, it is safe. Moreover, it has been used in research for six months with no severe side effects. However, one may face the following side effects
About the Lemon Balm Plant
A hardy and non-fussy plant, lemon balm is a bushy perennial herb that rises to a height of two feet. It produces pairs of wrinkled, serrate, 3-inch long oval leaves in medium green along squarish stems.
How to Grow Lemon Balm
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly in the soil from late March to mid-April.
How to Harvest Lemon Balm
Once your lemon balm plants are established and putting out new growth, you can pick their leaves throughout the rest of the season.
Seed Saving
To save lemon balm seeds, allow the plant to flower. Seed pods will emerge and the foliage will begin to dry up. When stalks are brown and appear dead, remove them from the plant.
Common Issues
Lemon balm self-propagates through its roots and seeds and can spread quite quickly in the garden. Prevent self-sowing by clipping flowers as they appear. Pull entire plants from the ground to reduce root spread. Or, keep your lemon balm plants in containers to limit expansion.
20 Ways to Use Lemon Balm
If you follow this guide, you’ll have an abundance of lemon balm in no time! Be sure to check out our next article on how to use these fragrant, lemony leaves.
Quick Guide to Growing Lemon Balm
Plant lemon balm during the warm weather of late spring, once all chances of frost have passed.
Soil, Planting, and Care
Growing lemon balm is a warm weather activity. Be sure to start with young lemon balm plants from Bonnie Plants®, which has been helping home gardeners succeed for over 100 years. After all danger of frost has past, set lemon balm plants 20 to 24 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil where it will receive some shade during the day.
Troubleshooting
Lemon balm does not spread by underground runners like mint. It will increase in size, though, making a bigger clump in the garden each season and sprouting from seeds that develop from inconspicuous flowers. To keep it from taking up too much of your garden, cut the plant back to a few inches tall several times during the growing season.
Harvest and Storage
Lemon balm loses much of its flavor when dried, so it is a seasonal delight to be enjoyed while the weather is mild and the plant is green. However, enough of the fragrance remains when this herb is dried to make it a delightful addition to potpourri.
Uses
Like many other herbs, lemon balm can lose its flavour in cooking, so add it near the end of the cooking process. The fresh lemon fragrance and flavour go nicely with both chicken and fish dishes, as well as fruit and fruit juice drinks.
FAQs
Yes, lemon balm is one of the easiest herbs to grow in a container. It will flourish in a pot with rich, well-drained potting mix. Pots must be watered often, daily in the heat of summer.
How long does it take for lemon balm to grow?
In most cases, you’ll have easier time using seedlings, though lemon balm seeds are fairly hardy and usually sprout without much trouble. It typically takes 6 weeks for lemon balm seeds to develop into seedlings.
How to harvest lemon balm?
Pull off sprigs as needed. To harvest lemon balm for tea and other uses, simply pinch off sprigs from the plant. You can remove sprigs as soon as the plant starts growing, though it’s usually best to wait until it’s grown at least a few stems.
How to keep lemon balm moist?
To keep the soil moist and provide additional nutrients, it helps to add mulch around the lemon balm once a year. Opt for an organic mulch, and spread approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) of it around the base of the plants.
How long can you keep lemon balm leaves?
To dry the leaves, gather 5 or 6 stems together and tie them with kitchen string. Hang them in a warm, dark location for 1 to 3 weeks.
What is lemon balm?
This article has been viewed 18,907 times. Lemon balm, also known as common balm or mint balm, is a calming herb that belongs to the mint family. As its name implies, it has a lemony flavor that makes it ideal to use for tea, salads, herbal infusions, and other dishes. But while you can find dried lemon balm at many herb shops, ...
Is lemon balm good for plants?
Lemon balm can be vulnerable to diseases such as verticillium wilt and powdery mildew. To keep your plants healthy, cut away any dead flowers or leaves when you spot them. It’s also a good idea to keep healthy leaves trimmed to ensure effective air circulation around the plants.
Can you grow lemon balm in the sun?
Select a planting spot that receives plenty of sun. Lemon balm grows best in a location that receives full sun. However, it is partially shade-tolerant, so it can do well in a spot that receives some shade in the afternoon. Even if you plan to grow the lemon balm outdoors, you may want to plant it in a container.
