Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb in the mint family that’s known for its calming qualities, culinary uses, and its ability to attract bees and pollinators to the garden. It’s a clump-forming perennial with soft, toothed green leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom in summer. With a fresh, citrus fragrance and wide range of uses, this is a herb variety you’ll want growing close to your kitchen or outdoor living space. In this blog post, we’ll show you everything you need to know about lemon balm—how to grow it from seed, how to care for it in pots or in the ground, how to harvest and dry it, and how to enjoy it in teas, food, natural remedies, and permaculture gardens. We’ll also explore the benefits of growing lemon balm as a microgreen and how it compares to other lemon-flavoured herbs.
What is Lemon Balm?
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and has a similar spreading root system and square stems. It grows to about 60–150 cm tall and produces small, nectar-rich white flowers during summer. Its lemon-mint scent is due to natural compounds like citronellal and rosmarinic acid, which also give it calming effects when consumed.
Native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, lemon balm has long been grown near hives to attract honeybees—reflected in the name “Melissa,” which means “honeybee” in Greek.
Why Grow Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm is well-known for its calming effects. Herbalists have used it for centuries to help with anxiety, sleep troubles, and digestive issues. Drinking lemon balm tea is a popular way to unwind in the evening, and the leaves can be used fresh or dried in a wide variety of kitchen recipes.
This plant also benefits your garden. Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its citrusy scent helps to repel pests like mosquitoes and aphids. With a compact clumping habit and tolerance for different conditions, lemon balm suits everything from edible gardens and balcony pots to permaculture zones.
How to Grow Lemon Balm from Seed
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your region’s last frost. Use a shallow seed tray filled with a light, well-draining seed-raising mix. Lemon balm seeds need light to germinate, so press them gently into the surface without covering them with soil. Mist the tray to keep it moist, and cover with a plastic lid to retain humidity.
Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days when temperatures are kept between 18–21°C. Place the tray in a warm spot with indirect light. Once the seedlings appear, remove the cover and provide strong light from a sunny windowsill or grow light.
When the seedlings are 5–8 cm tall and have developed a few sets of true leaves, you can thin them out and transplant the strongest into individual pots or garden beds. Harden them off gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 5–7 days.
Direct Sowing
In warmer regions, lemon balm seeds can be sown directly into garden beds in early spring. Scatter seeds on prepared soil, press gently, and keep moist until germinated. Thin seedlings once established to avoid overcrowding.
Growing Lemon Balm Outdoors
Lemon balm prefers full sun but will also tolerate light shade. Choose a position in your garden with well-drained, moderately fertile soil. A pH range of 6.7 to 7.3 is ideal. Mix in compost or aged manure before planting to improve soil structure and nutrition.
Space your plants around 30–40 cm apart to allow airflow and avoid fungal issues. Water regularly in the first few weeks while plants establish, and mulch to retain soil moisture. Once established, lemon balm is quite drought-tolerant.
Growing Lemon Balm in Pots and Containers
If you have a small garden or balcony, lemon balm grows happily in a pot. Use a container at least 30 cm wide with drainage holes and fill it with a good-quality organic potting mix. Place it somewhere that gets at least 5–6 hours of sun per day.
Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry, and avoid letting the pot sit in water. Container-grown lemon balm can be harvested more often and moved easily for seasonal changes in sunlight.
Growing Lemon Balm as Microgreens
While lemon balm grows slower than most microgreens, it’s still a rewarding choice. The tiny leaves have a gentle lemon flavour and are excellent in herbal blends, salads, or as garnishes.
To grow lemon balm microgreens, sprinkle seeds densely across a shallow tray filled with seed-raising mix. Lightly press them into the surface without covering, then mist with water and cover the tray to keep humidity high. Once germinated, remove the cover and provide bright light. Harvest when the first true leaves appear—typically around 18–25 days.
Watering, Feeding, and Pruning Lemon Balm
Water deeply when the soil begins to dry out but avoid overwatering. Lemon balm doesn’t like soggy roots. Apply an organic liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season for strong leaf production.
Prune the plant regularly by cutting back leggy stems. Frequent harvesting encourages bushy growth. You can also trim the plant heavily after flowering to rejuvenate it and prevent unwanted spreading.
Common Pests and Problems
Lemon balm is generally low-maintenance, but a few issues can crop up. Powdery mildew may appear in humid conditions—reduce this by spacing plants well and avoiding overhead watering. Aphids sometimes gather on new growth; rinse them off or spray with diluted insecticidal soap.
If the lower leaves are yellowing and the plant seems weak, it could be from overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry slightly between watering, and ensure good airflow around plants.
How and When to Harvest Lemon Balm
You can start harvesting once your plant is well established and has enough foliage to recover after picking. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun gets too hot. This is when the aromatic oils are at their strongest.
Use clean scissors or snips to cut stems just above a leaf node. This encourages more side shoots and fuller growth. Regular harvesting helps maintain flavour and stops the plant from becoming too woody.
Drying and Storing Lemon Balm
Dry harvested leaves by tying bunches and hanging them upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated place. Once crispy dry, strip the leaves and store them in airtight glass jars or tins away from light and heat. Dried lemon balm keeps its aroma for several months and is perfect for tea or herbal blends in winter.
How to Use Lemon Balm in the Kitchen
Lemon balm adds a mild citrus flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes. You can mix fresh chopped leaves into fruit salads, cold drinks, or vinaigrettes. It pairs well with chicken, fish, soft cheeses, and berries.
It’s also a favourite for herbal teas. To make a calming tea, steep 1 tablespoon of fresh or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Blend with chamomile, mint, or lavender for added flavour and effect.
Try using lemon balm in infused vinegars, syrups, sorbets, or even homemade body care recipes like salves and balms.
Alternatives to Lemon Balm
Looking for other herbs with similar uses or flavours? Here’s how lemon balm compares:
| Herb | Flavour | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Balm | Lemony mint | Teas, relaxation, culinary, pollinator plant |
| Mint | Cool, sweet | Drinks, sauces, garnishes |
| Lemon Verbena | Sharp citrus | Perfumes, teas, preserves |
| Lemongrass | Lemon-herbal | Soups, stir-fries, teas |
Conclusion: A Versatile Herb for Every Garden
Lemon balm is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow at home. It looks good, smells amazing, tastes great, and brings real benefits to your body and your garden. Whether you’re planting in raised beds, pots, or micro trays on a sunny windowsill, lemon balm deserves a space in your growing plan.
Ready to grow your own? Browse our lemon balm seed range and enjoy the fresh citrus scent, calm-inducing properties, and pollinator-friendly blooms all season long.
