Lemon balm
Lemon balm grows well in UK conditions, producing lemon-flavoured leaves for use in cooking and herbal teas. A perennial herb, it's easy to divide established lemon balm plants to share with other growers.
| Growing calendar | |
|---|---|
| Sow indoors | Mar - Apr |
| Plant out/transplant | May - Jun |
| Harvest | May - Sep |
How to grow lemon balm
Sow lemon balm seed 0.1cm deep in pots and transplant seedlings 45cm apart. You can also dig up and split established lemon balm plants in spring or autumn. Choose well drained soil in sunny site.
Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushy plants. Leaves die back to soil level in winter.
Harvesting and using lemon balm
Pick strongly lemon scented leaves before flowers open for use fresh or drying. Flowers are also edible with sweet lemon flavour. Lemon balm is a perennial herb so will crop year after year.
Tips on growing lemon balm
Cut back after flowering for new growth and prevent stems becoming woody.
| Growing notes | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Germination time | 7-14 days |
| Average time to harvest | From 12 weeks |
| Equipment needed | None |
| Average plant size | Up to 75cm tall, 45cm wide |
| Family group to grow with | Lamiaceae: mint, thyme |
| Seed saving notes | Perennial, self-pollinating |