Lemon Balm is a delightful and aromatic herb that brings a touch of sunshine to any garden with its citrusy fragrance and vibrant green leaves. This versatile perennial belongs to the mint family and is prized for its calming properties and myriad uses in the kitchen, garden, and home. This perennial herb is native to Southern Europe and is beloved for its lemon-scented, mint-like leaves that are often used to make refreshing, lemony and herbal hot and cold drinks. Also used to treat colds, flu and indigestion. The leaves also add a tart lemony flavor to green and fruit salads as well as meats and poultry. Its lush, bushy growth makes it an attractive addition to herb gardens, borders, and containers alike. Lemon Balm is also known for its natural mosquito-repelling properties, making it a practical choice for outdoor spaces. Additionally, its leaves can be used to create homemade balms, tinctures, and essential oils, adding a natural touch to self-care routines. As a low-maintenance plant, it thrives in a range of conditions, making it perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners.

Lemon Balm, common balm, or balm mint is a

Gardeners adore Lemon Balm for its soothing qualities, often used in teas to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Its fresh lemony flavor enhances a variety of culinary creations, from salads and marinades to desserts and refreshing drinks. With its beauty, utility, and delightful scent, Lemon Balm is a must-have herb for any garden or home.

Also Known As: Melissa, Balm Mint, Sweet Mary, Melissa Officinalis, Bee Balm, Honey Balm, Cure-All, Common Balm, Citron Balm, Garden Balm.

Plant Name:	Balm, Lemon
Latin Name:	Melissa officinalis
Days to Germinate:	10-21
Days to Harvest:	70
Plant Height:	1 - 2 Feet
Spread:	18 - 24 Inches
Growth Habit:	Spreading
USDA Zones:	4-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify Lemon Balm seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds.

To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can be separated and spaced 12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally add fertilizer. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Lemon Balm is best harvested when the leaves are lush and full, typically just before the plant flowers, as this is when the essential oils are most concentrated. Use sharp scissors or garden shears to snip stems about 2 inches above the soil, leaving some growth to encourage regrowth. For a continuous harvest, you can pick leaves as needed throughout the season or cut back the plant several times during the growing period. If you want to dry lemon balm for later use, gather small bunches and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.