AllotMe
GROWING GUIDES
Lemon Balm
Herbs
Easy
Planting Schedule
Month by month
Sow Indoors
Sow Outdoors
Plant Out
Harvest
Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds indoors from March to April on the surface of compost. They need light to germinate.
Outdoors
Plant out from May. Grows happily in sun or partial shade and in most soils. Very vigorous once established.
Harvest
Pick fresh leaves any time from spring through autumn. Best flavour before flowering. Cut back hard for a second flush of tender leaves.
Month by month
Sow Indoors
Sow Outdoors
Plant Out
Harvest
How to Sow
- Sow seeds on the surface of moist compost — do not cover
- Keep at 15-20°C and germination takes 10-14 days
- Plant out or pot on when seedlings have several true leaves
- Space 30-45cm apart — but be aware it spreads vigorously
- Alternatively, divide existing clumps in spring or autumn
Plant Care
- Water in dry weather but lemon balm is generally very undemanding
- Cut back to ground level after flowering for a fresh crop of tender leaves
- Contain in a pot if you don't want it spreading everywhere — it's as vigorous as mint
- Remove flower heads before seeds set to prevent it self-sowing excessively
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to keep plants vigorous
AllotMe’s Tips
- Lemon balm tea is wonderfully calming — just pour boiling water over a handful of fresh leaves
- Like mint, lemon balm can be invasive — growing in a large pot sunk into the ground keeps it contained
- Crushing the leaves releases a beautiful lemon scent — plant it near a path or doorway where you'll brush past it
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