Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Fresh leaves for teas, cold drinks, and salads. During the summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear which attract bees. Easy to grow. Mulch can aid winter survival in areas where winter temperatures typically reach below 0°F (-18°C).
Harvest
70d
Days to harvest
Sun
Herb & Flower Cottage Garden
Zones
3–7
USDA hardiness
Height
2-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Lemon Balm in USDA Zone 7
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Lemon Balm · Zones 3–7
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Herb & Flower Cottage Garden. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Root Cutting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Produces many viable seeds
Type: Capsule.
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: Leaves and flowers can be used for teas and flavorings of soups, stews etc.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh lemon balm leaves lose their potency quickly, so use them within 2-3 days of harvest. Store fresh stems in a glass of water like cut flowers, covering leaves loosely with a plastic bag, then refrigerate. Alternatively, wrap damp leaves in paper towels and store in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.
For drying, hang small bundles in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Leaves are ready when they crumble easily, usually within 5-7 days. Store dried leaves whole in airtight containers to preserve essential oils — crush just before use.
Freeze fresh leaves in ice cube trays covered with water or oil for easy portion control in cooking. For tea blends, dry leaves retain more flavor than frozen. Lemon balm also makes excellent herbal vinegar — pack fresh leaves in glass jars and cover with white wine vinegar, steeping for 2-4 weeks.
History & Origin
Origin: Southern Europe
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Humidity, Insect Pests, Poor Soil, Rabbits
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators
- +Wildlife value: Deer resistant
- +Edible: Leaves and flowers can be used for teas and flavorings of soups, stews etc.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Lemon balm repels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms that commonly attack tomatoes
Cabbage
Deters cabbage moths, flea beetles, and other brassica pests
Broccoli
Repels cabbage worms and attracts beneficial insects that prey on brassica pests
Squash
Helps repel squash bugs and cucumber beetles while attracting pollinators
Roses
Deters aphids and Japanese beetles, while attracting beneficial predatory insects
Carrots
Repels carrot flies and other root vegetable pests
Lettuce
Provides natural pest control against aphids and leaf miners
Beans
Attracts beneficial insects and may help deter bean beetles
Keep Apart
Mint
Both are aggressive spreaders that compete for space and resources
Basil
Can be inhibited by lemon balm's strong allelopathic compounds
Parsley
Growth may be stunted due to lemon balm's competitive nature and chemical secretions
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167747)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, can suffer from powdery mildew in humid conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, generally pest resistant due to strong scent
Diseases
Powdery mildew, root rot in waterlogged soil