How to grow lemon balms

Melissa officinalis · lamiaceae family · perennial

Lemon balm — hero (AI-generated reference image) — AI-generated reference image. Have a photo of this plant? Suggest one below.

Growing basics

Lemon balm is a cool-season crop, started from seed in the garden or transplanted.

Seeds germinate once soil reaches about 60°F.

Grows in part sun.

Frost-hardy: keeps going through freezes.

Space plants about 17 inches apart.

Sources

Penn State Extension, Herbs in the Home Garden
Oregon State University Extension, Growing Herbs in the Home Garden
Johnny's Selected Seeds, Herb Germination Chart

2 lemon balms in the library

Common Lemon Balm · Variegata

Each has a full cited page in the library.

Pests and diseases we cover

Aphid
Two-spotted spider mite
Whitefly
Damping off
Powdery mildew

Identification and treatment for each, with photos, in the library.

Row & Bed covers 2 lemon balm varieties, each with a cited care timeline and fertilization schedule, identification and treatment for the 3 pests and 2 diseases that reach them, and planting windows worked out for your ZIP.

Set up your garden

See something that does not match your garden? Write to andy@rowandbed.com.