Medicinal Herbs - Lemon Balm

Tender Perennial

Spring to fall bloom. Frost tender.

To Start Early Indoors

Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of well-drained seed starting mix 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost date. Cover ¼ inch deep, keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to go outside. Transplant into individual containers once seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves. Transplant into garden once weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions.

To Plant Outdoors

Sow seeds directly into wellworked garden soil in full sun once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 1 inch apart and cover about ¼ inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 7 to 14 days.

Plant Spacing

When well established, thin or transplant seedlings 9 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to mature. You can transplant extra seedlings when thinning.

Harvest and Use

A versatile herb prized for its culinary and medicinal uses. Fresh or dried leaves make a soothing lemony tea, add a bright flavor to drinks, fruit dishes, or baked goods, and the plant itself serves as a fragrant border plant or groundcover. To keep growth manageable, trim flower stalks to prevent excessive self-seeding. Can be planted in containers to avoid spreading by root runners.