Lemon Balm Care

Lemon balm is used for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

Lemon balm is a perennial herb known botanically as Melissa officinalis. This mint family member lends a light lemon scent and flavor to foods such as herbal tea. It is a low-maintenance plant that grows spring through fall.

Climate

Lemon balm is a native of southern Europe. It overwinters outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 11. In areas where the ground freezes, cover the plant's crown during winter with a 3- to 4-inch layer of grass clippings, bark, leaves or compost.

Planting Location

Plant lemon balm in full sun to partial shade in fertile soil with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5, advises North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Watering

Keep lemon balm soil moist but not soggy. Water on a weekly basis when there is no rainfall.

Fertilizing

Overfeeding lemon balm weakens the herb's flavor, according to Utah State University Cooperative Extension. They advise feeding only in spring and after harvesting with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Harvesting

Harvest up to one-third of the lemon balm plant on a monthly basis to create a bushy plant and stimulate fresh growth.

References

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Lemon Balm
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Lemon Balm in the Garden
• United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Resources

• Washington State University Clark County Extension: It's Thyme to Try Herbs