How to Propagate Lemon Balm
Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and can be easily propagated by root division, cuttings, seeds or layering. Layering, as a propagation method, works well for plants like lemon balm that easily root from stems. The developing plant remains attached to the mother plant for nutrition until it has established its own roots in about eight weeks. It is then severed and transplanted. To propagate lemon balm using layering, the plant should be actively growing---usually in spring and summer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a mature lemon balm plant with stems at least 12 inches tall.
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Bend one stem of the lemon balm downward toward the soil being careful not to break it.
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Remove leaves from the section of the stem that will be covered with soil leaving about six inches of leaves at the top of the stem.
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Use a knife to make a very small cut or puncture on the stem just above a node where a leaf was growing before you removed it. Do not cut all the way through the stem. Your goal is to create a slight wound that will cause the plant to protect itself by putting out roots.
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Cover the middle part of the stem with soil. Hold it in place with a rock or other heavy object.
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Stake the top part of the stem---the part with attached leaves---to keep it upright.
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Remove the new lemon balm plant from the mother when its roots are established and transplant it to another location or container.
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Add a weak liquid fertilizer solution to help the transplanted lemon balm grow in its new environment.
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Tips & Warnings
Shading in summer keeps the lemon balm plant from becoming leggy or burning. The soil into which the new plant is transplanted should be fertile and provide good drainage. Many people prefer to grow lemon balm in containers as it can be aggressive in the garden unless harvested several times a year.
Lemon balm does not like wet feet. It is better to under water or let the plant dry completely before watering.
