🌿 Lemon Balm: Growing Guide
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) grows best in partial shade with moderate watering, and does well at −20 to 32 °C (−4 to 90 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Melissa officinalis |
|---|---|
| Category | Medicinal |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 50 cm (20 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −20 to 32 °C (−4 to 90 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 in) |
| Height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | |||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Jul–Aug, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Apr, Sep–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Jul–Oct, Dec–Apr.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 6 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Growing tips
Lemon and mint scent. Traditionally used in calming herbal teas. Attracts bees. Self-seeds!
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Lemon Balm: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Aug.
Lemon Balm: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 6 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Lemon Balm: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 50 cm (20 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Lemon Balm: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Lemon Balm: which plants grow well with it?
Tomato, Squash.
Lemon Balm: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Lemon Balm to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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