Lemon balm is an easy to grow herb that is also super versatile. You can use lemon balm to make herbal tea, make vinaigrette or even add it into a pesto sauce to give it that special something.
Lemon balm is a perennial herb, so if you plant it once it will keep coming back. A word of caution though, lemon balm is a part of the mint family and will become invasive if you don't keep it contained.
To grow lemon balm, keep these points in mind for a happy, healthy plant:
Lemon balm needs full sun, but will also tolerate partial sun: meaning lemon balm will do best if it has anywhere between 4-10 hours of direct sun daily,
it is a cool weather crop: in other words, it's not a fan of humidity,
it will grow best in well-drained, sandy soil,
you can transplant seeds after the last spring frost, or grow this herb in a container,
sow seeds 1/4 inches deep and keep the bed moist until they germinate,
lemon balm should germinate within 14 days,
eventually it will grow to be 12 inches in height and 24 inches in width,
remember to water regularly and evenly, and
harvest as needed.
Lemon balm is a great companion plant for broccoli, cauliflower and other cabbage family plants. Since it gives off a lemony scent it deters pests and attracts bees!
Now you know everything you need to grow a thriving lemon balm plant! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss our latest posts!
Happy planting!
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