{"id":1051,"date":"2023-05-15T15:24:40","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T22:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=1051"},"modified":"2023-06-27T12:12:37","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T19:12:37","slug":"how-to-grow-lemon-balm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Lemon Balm &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-Grow-Lemon-Balm.png\" alt=\"lemon balm plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nLemon balm, which are known botanically as Melissa officinalis, are a type of herb that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing lemon balm as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Lemon_Balm\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Lemon Balm\">Best Time to Plant Lemon Balm<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#How_to_Plant_Lemon_Balm_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Lemon Balm the Right Way\">How to Plant Lemon Balm the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Lemon_Balm\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Lemon Balm\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Lemon Balm<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#How_Much_to_Water_Lemon_Balm\" title=\"How Much to Water Lemon Balm\">How Much to Water Lemon Balm<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Lemon_Balm_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Lemon Balm to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Lemon Balm to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#When_to_Harvest_Lemon_Balm\" title=\"When to Harvest Lemon Balm\">When to Harvest Lemon Balm<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#What_Can_Lemon_Balm_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Lemon Balm Be Used For?\">What Can Lemon Balm Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#Can_Lemon_Balm_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Lemon Balm Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Lemon Balm Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-lemon-balm\/#Are_Lemon_Balm_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Lemon Balm Safe for Bees?\">Are Lemon Balm Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Lemon_Balm\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Lemon Balm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the lemon balm seeds directly outdoors in spring or fall. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when lemon balm are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Lemon_Balm_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Lemon Balm the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing lemon balm in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your lemon balm grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained and fertile, with added organic matter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 7.5.<\/p>\n<p>1\/4&#8243; deep, 6&#8243; apart in rows 18&#8243; apart. 1\/4&#8243; deep, 6&#8243; apart in rows 18&#8243; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 6-12&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your lemon balm seedlings 12-18&#8243; apart when seedlings are 2-3&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Lemon_Balm\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Lemon Balm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your lemon balm. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your lemon balm should be getting full sun to partial shade<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Lemon_Balm\"><\/span>How Much to Water Lemon Balm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your lemon balm do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your lemon balm begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Lemon_Balm_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Lemon Balm to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your lemon balm grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 10-14 days to germinate, and a total of 70-90 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Lemon_Balm\"><\/span>When to Harvest Lemon Balm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your lemon balm is in the morning when the essential oils are the strongest.<\/p>\n<p>Lemon balm can grow up to about 18-24&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Lemon_Balm_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Lemon Balm Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> great for flavoring teas, salads, and baked goods.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> light, lemony, and slightly minty.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Lemon_Balm_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Lemon Balm Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can plant 1 plant per 12&#8243; container. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your lemon balm around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Lemon_Balm_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Lemon Balm Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, lemon balm are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing lemon balm is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lemon balm, which are known botanically as Melissa officinalis, are a type of herb that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing lemon balm as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Lemon Balm This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the lemon balm seeds directly outdoors in spring or fall. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when lemon balm are most likely to thrive in your area, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,233,232],"tags":[22,220],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1051"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1185,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051\/revisions\/1185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1051"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}