Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm requires moderate amounts of water. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. Water the plants deeply, and as needed to keep the soil moist. During the winter months, water less often. In hot climates, plants will require more frequent watering.

Lemon Balm does best in full sun to partial shade conditions, as it needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day in order to thrive. During summer, the plants may require some light shade in order to avoid sunburn. Although it can tolerate partial shade, it should not be grown in full shade, as this will reduce growth and flowering.

Lemon Balm is hardy to zone 4 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30F (°C). It prefers to grow in temperatures between 50-77°F (10-25°C). In areas where the temperature drops below 50F (10°C), it should be covered or brought indoors for the winter.

Lemon Balm prefers to be grown in a humid environment. In drier areas, regular misting and the use of a humidity tray can help to increase the humidity level around the plants. During the winter, when the air is drier, the plants should also be misted more often.

Lemon Balm prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soils. A good potting mix should contain some organic matter, such as ground bark or compost. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. If necessary, add a moisture-retentive soil additive to help keep the soil from drying out.

Lemon Balm should be fertilized with a balanced organic fertilizer once a month during active growth. If planting in the garden, add some compost or aged manure to the soil prior to planting. If planting in containers, use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer once a month.

Lemon Balm can be prone to Aphids, Mealybugs, Spider Mites and Scale Insects. To prevent infestations, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soaps to get rid of any visible pests. If necessary, treat the plants with chemicals, but use them with caution and only as a last resort. If the leaves become yellow, they may have been damaged by some kind of pest or disease.

Lemon Balm plants should be repotted every two to three years. When repotting, use a well-drained, fertile potting soil mix and choose a container slightly larger than the previous one. Do not overcrowd the roots or put too much soil around them.

Light pruning should be done annually to keep the plants bushy and remove dead or damaged stems. Prune the entire plant by one-third in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. This will also keep the plant looking neat and tidy.

For outdoor plants in the garden, mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pine needles, wood chips, leaves, grass clippings or hay are all good mulching materials. Be sure to add a 2-3 inch layer and keep the mulch away from stems and leaves.

Lemon Balm can be easily propagated from cuttings. Take 4-5 inch cuttings from the tips of the stem, remove lower leaves, and dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a potting mix, water gently, and keep in indirect light. The cuttings should root in 2-3 weeks.

Young plants may need some staking or other support to keep them upright until they are old and strong enough to stand on their own. Provide additional support in windy areas.

Lemon Balm can be a tender, short-lived perennial and may not survive more than 3-4 years in cold climates. For best results, it should be grown as an annual, and new plants should be planted each year. It should be allowed to go to seed and given a rest period in the fall before being cut down and removed in winter.

Lemon Balm is considered to be non-toxic to pets. However, as with any plant, it is important to keep your pet away from the plant as they can still be affected by the volatile oils that the plant produces.