Lemon Balm Growing Guide

Soil

Rich well-drained soil.

Position

Any sunny spot.

Frost tolerant

A cold-hardy perennial, lemon balm can survive temperatures to -30C.

Feeding

Not generally required.

Companions

Beans, Tomato, Cosmos and Catnip.

Spacing

Single Plants: 60cm (1' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 60cm (1' 11") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start with a purchased plant, or obtain a rooted piece from a friend or neighbour who has an established clump. Frost areas: start seeds indoors in early spring. Frost free areas: sow in seed trays or seed beds in early spring. Lemon balm can be transplanted from early spring to early summer. Lemon balm grows into a rounded mound.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Lemon balm is very easy to grow. Locate it where leaves can be conveniently picked, crushed and sniffed.

Harvesting

Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying or steeping into tinctures in early summer, just before the plants bloom.

Troubleshooting

Control lemon balm’s spread by cutting back flowering stems in late summer.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar