
Bastard Balm
Also known as
Melittis and bastard balm
Taxonomy
Melittis melissophyllum
Melittis
Lamiaceae
Lamiales

How to care for Bastard Balm

How often to water your Bastard Balm

every 9
Bastard Balm needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t 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 Bastard Balm in your home

a window
Bastard Balm can tolerate being far from a window and light source.
Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive đź’Ş.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Bastard Balm in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Bastard 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 it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Bastard Balm after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Bastard 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
Bastard Balm can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Bastard Balm can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Bastard Balm
Bastard Balm
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 6ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
