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Lemon Balm Microgreens

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

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Lemon Balm Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Lemon Balm Microgreens · Zones 3–7

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate to Advanced

SpacingMedium seeding - 1/2 oz per 10x20 tray

SoilWell-draining potting mix or coco coir blend

pH6.0-7.5

WaterMist 1-2 times daily, allow slight drying between waterings

SeasonPerennial

FlavorIntense lemon scent and flavor, slightly minty undertones

ColorBright green serrated leaves

Size2-4 inches tall with true leaves developing

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

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 microgreens are extremely perishable and should be used within 2-3 days of harvest for peak flavor and texture. Store unwashed in the refrigerator at 35-40°F in a breathable container like a paper towel-lined plastic container with a loose lid.

Avoid washing until just before use, as excess moisture accelerates decay. For longer storage, place stems in a small glass of water like cut flowers and refrigerate for up to 5 days, changing water daily.

For preservation, dehydrate at 95°F until crispy, then store in airtight containers for herbal tea blends—though dried microgreens lose much of their visual appeal. Flash-freezing in ice cube trays with water preserves some flavor for up to 3 months, perfect for adding to smoothies or cold beverages. Due to their delicate nature, lemon balm microgreens don't pickle or ferment well, so focus on fresh consumption or gentle drying methods.

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

Basil

Repels aphids and thrips, complementary aromatic oils enhance each other

Chives

Natural pest deterrent against aphids and fungal diseases

Parsley

Similar growing conditions, attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps

Cilantro

Fast-growing companion with similar light and water needs

Dill

Attracts beneficial predatory insects and has complementary growth habit

Lettuce

Compatible moisture and temperature requirements for microgreen production

Radish

Quick germination helps break soil surface, similar harvest timing

Arugula

Similar growing conditions and harvest window for microgreens

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which inhibits growth of most herbs including lemon balm

Mint

Aggressive spreading can overwhelm and compete with lemon balm

Eucalyptus

Allelopathic compounds suppress growth of nearby plants including herbs

Nutrition Facts

Calories

22kcal(1%)

Protein

0.35g(1%)

Fiber

0.3g(1%)

Carbs

6.9g(3%)

Fat

0.24g(0%)

Vitamin C

38.7mg(43%)

Vitamin A

0mcg(0%)

Vitamin K

0mcg(0%)

Iron

0.08mg(0%)

Calcium

6mg(0%)

Potassium

103mg(2%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167747)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good natural resistance to most diseases

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites in dry conditions

Diseases

Powdery mildew in humid conditions, damping off

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do lemon balm microgreens take to grow?▼

Lemon balm microgreens take 14-21 days from seed to harvest, significantly longer than most microgreen varieties which mature in 7-14 days. The slower growth allows essential oils to concentrate, creating their distinctive intense lemon fragrance. Cooler growing conditions can extend this timeline to 25 days, while optimal warmth and lighting can reduce it to 14 days.

Are lemon balm microgreens good for beginners?▼

Lemon balm microgreens are considered moderate to advanced difficulty and aren't ideal for complete beginners. They require precise moisture management, have inconsistent germination, and grow slowly, testing patience. New growers should master faster varieties like radish or pea shoots first, then progress to lemon balm once they understand microgreen fundamentals.

Can you grow lemon balm microgreens without grow lights?▼

While possible, lemon balm microgreens perform poorly without supplemental lighting. They need 12-16 hours of bright light daily, which natural window light rarely provides consistently. Insufficient light causes weak, leggy growth and diminished flavor. A simple LED grow light positioned 6-12 inches above trays will dramatically improve results and ensure proper development.

What do lemon balm microgreens taste like?▼

Lemon balm microgreens deliver an intensely lemony flavor with subtle minty undertones, much stronger than mature lemon balm leaves. The taste is clean and citrusy without bitterness, making them excellent for desserts, teas, and cocktail garnishes. The aroma is equally powerful—often detectable from several feet away when properly grown.

Why aren't my lemon balm microgreen seeds germinating?▼

Poor germination typically results from inadequate seed soaking, incorrect moisture levels, or old seeds. Always soak seeds 4-6 hours before planting, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, and ensure temperatures stay between 65-75°F. Lemon balm seeds lose viability quickly, so purchase fresh seeds from reputable suppliers and store them in cool, dry conditions.

Can you regrow lemon balm microgreens after cutting?▼

No, lemon balm microgreens won't regrow after harvesting like some cut-and-come-again varieties. They're harvested at the cotyledon to first true leaf stage, before root systems can support regrowth. For continuous harvest, start new trays every 7-10 days to ensure steady supply, or consider growing mature lemon balm plants for repeated harvests.