Lemon balm
Where to grow lemon balm?
Lemon balm is not a demanding plant. It likes a lot of sun and warmth and prefers rich, well-drained soil, but can grow in most soils. It can be grown in pots, pallet collars or outdoors – both indoors and outdoors.
Like mint, lemon balm has a tendency to spread if given free rein. If you grow it outdoors, it may be a good idea to confine it, for example with a pot without a bottom, or a deep wooden frame.
In southern Sweden, lemon balm usually overwinters unaided. Further north, it needs to be wintered over with leaves or spruce branches to survive. If you are growing in a pot outdoors, keep the pot cool but frost-free over winter. Indoor plants need plant lighting during winter to survive.
Sow lemon balm
If you want to start harvesting early, you should pre-cultivate lemon balm. Otherwise, you can sow directly in May or June. Water first, then sprinkle seeds and cover with a thin layer of soil. Be careful with watering at first, so you don’t wash away seeds or small seedlings. It takes about two weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Pre-cultivation indoors can be done in March or April. Use seed soil in the growing tray and sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds. Transfer to larger pots when the seedlings have developed character leaves (the second pair of leaves on the plant) and are a couple of centimetres tall. Harden off and plant out when the risk of frost is over. Water continuously. If you want a lush lemon balm that reaches its full size, around 50 cm, you can fertilise a couple of times during the summer.
The small white flowers are discreet but beautiful and attract many pollinators. However, if you want to maximise your harvest, you should prune the plant when it starts to flower.
Harvesting and uses
Pick or cut off the top shoots throughout the summer to help the plant along and provide a good supply of lemon balm. Then harvest most of the plant before winter. The flavour is not significantly affected by the lemon balm going into flower.
Lemon balm is seen by many as a useless plant – often used only as a garnish for desserts. However, with a little imagination and inspiration, it can be used for so much more.
Both fresh and dried lemon balm are great for brewing tea. Combined with mint, lemon and ginger, you get a fresh and invigorating tea. Experiment with ingredients you have on hand or (preferably!) in the garden.
In food, the citrusy flavour goes well with fish and chicken. Preferably use fresh leaves or chop finely. Older leaves can become a bit tough and woody. You can also try adding some lemon balm to your pesto for exciting variety.
We won’t pretend it works – but lemon balm is supposed to act as a mosquito repellent. Pick a few leaves and rub them on your arms and neck. If nothing else, you’ll smell very nice!
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-10-14