HERB ... LEMON BALM

LEMON BALM

Common name for Melissa officinalis, an aromatic, sweet herb of the Mint Family grown in the herb garden for seasoning, and also used in liqueurs and historically, as a medicine. It grows to 2 feet tall and has small 2-lipped flowers in late summer, and leaves of a decided lemon odor and flavor.

Of Old-World origin, it is widely naturalized in America. It is easily increased by division or by seeds sown in the hotbed or coldframe.

Growing
Lemon Balm

This herb is relatively easy to cultivate outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. In zone 4, it needs winter mulch and a well-drained sandy soil to survive.

Lemon balm grows in clumps and spreads vegetatively as well as by seed. In mild temperate zones, the stems of the plant die off at the start of the winter, but shoot up again in spring. It can be easily grown from stem cuttings, or from seeds. Under ideal conditions, it will seed itself prolifically and can become a nuisance in gardens.

Growing Cultures
Outdoors, containers, hydroponics.

Plant Height
Lemon balm grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).

Plant Spacing
Lemon balm plants should be spaced between 12 and 15 inches (30 and 38 cm) apart.

Preferred pH Range
Lemon balm will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 5.6 (acidic) and 9.0 (strongly alkaline) with a preferred range of 6.0 to 7.5.

Propagation
From seed. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before last frost.

Seed Germination Period
12 to 21 days.

Seeds Per Gram (Approximate)
2,000

Soil Requirements
Fertile, well-drained clay or sandy loam.

Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.

Time From Seed to Saleable Plant
Seeds to finished plugs, 6 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 5 weeks.

Sun & Lighting Requirements
Lemon balm grown outdoors prefers full sun, but is mildly shade-tolerant. In dry climates, it grows best in partial shade.

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil, do not let soil dry out in between waterings. Water on a regular schedule, taking care to not overwater.

Potential Pests & Diseases
Whitefly, spider mite, thrip. Susceptible to powdery mildew.

Special Notes
Lemon balm may be considered a noxious weed or invasive plant in some areas. Lemon balm is drought tolerant and is useful in xeriscaping. Lemon balm is known to attract bees, butterflies or birds and has fragrant blossoms. Lemon balm self-sows freely; remove flowers (deadhead) if you do not want volunteer seedlings the following season.

A CLOSER LOOK AT LEMON BALM

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