Lemon balm (Latin name – Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb, which is attractive to pollinators including bees.
The leaves have a gentle lemon scent which are used to flavour ice-creams and herbal teas.
Lemon balm has a bushy habit and grows to a height of 50cm (20inches) & spreads 30cm (12in) although it can be trimmed. It is vigorous and can take over, so is often grown in a pot or container.
Lemon-Balm
Lemon Balm will grow almost anywhere as long as it is not too dry, but prefers a fertile , well drained soil in full sun. It grows well in containers.
Sowing Lemon Balm
- Sow March to May
- Place seed on the surface of the seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of compost
- Place in a propagator or a polythene bag and keep at 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which takes up to 21 days.
- Keep the compost relatively dry
- Leave in a light place.
LemonBalm-close
Care of Lemon Balm
- Plant out Lemon balm plants between 12 and 15 inches (30 and 38cm) apart.
- Remove weeds regularly.
- Water well in dry weather.
- Trim in summer to encourage new, brightly coloured growth,
- Remove flowers to prevent self seeding.
LemonBalmFlower
Using Lemon Balm
- Harvest the young leaves when they are 10cm hight and bright green.
- Use the leaves of lemon balm in stuffings for fish & poultry.
- Use crushed leaves to flavour ice-creams and herbal teas.
- Use in pot-pourri for scent
Click the image below to discover more about Lemon Balm and other herbs:
How To Grow Culinary Herbs is an ebook produced by TopVeg and FarmingFriends. The ebook is on sale now and explains how to plant a herb garden or grow your own herbs for cooking.
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