Lemon Balm – Herb Garden Care Guide

Lemon Balm is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae and native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, but now naturalized across the world. The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint. The plant looks best when it is cut back periodically, so plan to use lots of fresh, flavourful leaves.

Uses: Like many other herbs, lemon balm can lose its flavour in cooking, so add it near the end of the cooking process. The fresh lemon fragrance and flavour goes nicely with both chicken and fish dishes, as well as fruit salad and fruit juice drinks. Create your own herbal tea by cutting a few stems of lemon balm, putting them in a pitcher, pour boiling water over them, and allow it to steep for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your tea hot or over ice.

Sunlight: Lemon Balm plants will grow in part shade to full sun but flourish best in full sun.

Humidity: Ensure proper air circulation is provided.

Soil: Our herb garden contains well drain soil which is ideal for growth. Once per week lightly till the soil around the plant. This achieves aeration which allows air, water and nutrients to penetrate the roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous herb garden.

Water: Lemon Balm requires regular watering. It grows best in slightly moist soil.

Nutrients: Our Herb Garden doesn’t require immediate plant food, as our potting soil already contains a slow-release plant food that can last up to 6 months. If plant food is needed or your herb plant shows signs of stress like yellowing foliage, you can add your favourite compost, or use an organic liquid plant food or a weak solution of an all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer.

Harvest: When you are ready to harvest, cut just above a pair of leaves using a very sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. A good rule of thumb is to remove no more than two-thirds of the vegetative growth at any one time. Finish the job by pruning stray stems and shaping so the plant looks tidy and encourage future growth.

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