Are you wondering what are the things required for growing lemon balm? If so, then this place is just for you. That’s because here we will cover all about how to grow lemon balm in your home garden.
Lemon balm is one of the best plant varieties with incredible smell and medicinal qualities. It can attract beneficial bees, repel mosquitos, and treat several ailments.
As a plant, lemon balm has all the crucial antioxidants due to its high flavonoids. The herb comes from the mint family and is often considered a calming herb.
Let’s learn about growing herbs like the lemon balm in detail:
Things Required to Grow Lemon Balm
Growing a healthy lemon balm requires knowledge of its growing conditions and other requirements. That’s why before starting, make sure you have herb-growing accessories with you. Also, provide the plant with the conditions mentioned below:
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water: Do not overwater
Soil pH: Neutral to acidic
Bloom time: Summer
Hardiness zone: 3 to 7
Spacing: 18-24 inches space rows
Depth: ¼ inch deep
Soil for Lemon Balm
Although lemon balm can easily grow in a variety of soil, it’s best to plant them in loose loam or sandy loam soil conditions. Make sure it has adequate organic matter to stimulate the best plant growth.
It’s recommended not to choose a soil with heavy clay content as it can result in poor drainage. But, if you do have clay soil, try adding amendments like sand, peat moss, and sawdust. You can also try tilting the soil to ensure its good texture. Additionally, make sure that the pH of the soil is maintained at 6.5 and that the soil is moist yet well-drained.
How to Grow Lemon Balm?
Once you meet the listed requirements, along with the soil conditions, it’s time to learn how to grow lemon balm in your garden. You can either grow the plant from seeds or you can get a fresh cutting of lemon balm to grow the same. Based on your preferences, choose a mode and follow the steps listed below:
Growing Lemon Balm from Seeds/Cuttings
To grow lemon balm from seeds, get the most high-quality lemon balm seeds from the store or online. Then, take sterilized potting soil and cover the tiny seeds with the same. Make sure to water the plant to a minimum so that it doesn’t dry out. Note that the germination process takes about 10-14 days.
Also, keep the plants within a spacing of 18 inches to ensure good growth. While lemon balm can be grown in the sun, look for a shady spot so the plant remains protected from mid-day sunlight exposure. Partial shade plants are larger and more succulent than full-sun ones, so that’s a plus point.
When growing lemon balm from cuttings, cut the stem of the lemon balm plant with scissors or a knife for about 3 to 4 inches at an angle below the leaf node. Dip about one-third of its part in water and ensure that none of the plant leaves are submerged in the water.
Next, take a container and fill it with the soil mix for about two-thirds of its space. Make sure there is adequate drainage. Plant the cut stem and place it within 1 inch deep of the soil. Water the lemon balm plant whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch.
Growing Lemon Balm in Pots
To grow lemon balm in pots, start by choosing a large pot that measures about 6 to 8 inches deep and wide. Look for a location that receives plenty of sunlight and place it in that location. Now, add well-drained soil with seeds or cuttings and water the plant as required.
Growing Lemon Balm Indoors and Outdoors
Whether you are planting lemon balm indoors or outdoors, growing conditions for both are more or less the same. They require ampler sunlight to thrive better. Although the outdoor plants can tolerate a bit of shade, it’s important for the indoor lemon to receive atleast 5 to 6 hours of shade. If you are planting the tree indoors, do so near a windowsill.
How to Maintain Lemon Balm?
Speaking about how to maintain lemon balm outdoors/indoors, there are certain tips that you can follow. This includes:
- Do not overwater the plant, or it may start producing powdery mildew
- Mulch the soil yearly to keep it moist and offer adequate nutrients
- Trim any dead leaves or flowers whenever you find them.
- Avoid heavy pruning before winter, as the plant requires its strong shoots to protect itself from a frosty climate.
Hopefully, now you know everything about growing lemon balm from scratch. Try adding this plant to your garden for its outstanding aroma and phenomenal aesthetics, and you will love it!
