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4.8 out of 5 (18 experiences)


About Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb in the mint family š. The leaves and oils are commonly used in herbal medicine and as a flavoring! Their genus name, Melissa, is of Greek origin and means honey bee, since their flowers are loaded with nectar that bees love! š
Taxonomy
Melissa officinalis
Melissa
Lamiaceae
Lamiales
Also known as
Common Balm and Balm Mint

How to care for Lemon Balm

How often to water your Lemon Balm

every 9
Lemon Balm needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnāt get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Lemon Balm in your home

a window
Lemon Balm love being close to bright, sunny windows š.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Lemon Balm does not tolerate low-light š«.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Lemon Balm in your home š”.

How to fertilize Lemon Balm

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Lemon Balm after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.

Lemon Balm can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!
Water Needs
Lemon Balm prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Lemon Balm requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
Toxicity
Lemon Balm is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian.
Humidity
Lemon Balm doesnāt require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Lemon Balm does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Lemon Balm is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
Native Region
Lemon Balm is native to Europe and Asia.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Lemon Balm bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Lemon Balm grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Lemon Balm can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-7b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Lemon Balm can be propagated by division into new individual plants.
- Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
- If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
- Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
- Repot the parent plant back into its original pot
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves arenāt always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plantās life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, itās likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Lemon Balm, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say







