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Plant lemon balm during the warm weather of late spring, once all chances of frost have passed. Space lemon balm 20 to 24 inches apart in an area with partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
When can you plant lemon balm outside?
Outdoor planting time: Sow lemon balm in spring about the average date of the last frost. Seeds can be slow to germinate. Also, sow seed in late summer or fall. Root divisions can be planted at any time during the growing season but will become established quicker in cool weather.
Will lemon balm survive winter?
Like mint, lemon balm is quite hardy and can be overwintered as far north as hardiness zones 4 and 5. It is always a good idea to mulch plants year-round, but winter mulch is of the utmost importance. Mulch also helps prevent the plant from being heaved out of the ground in times of repeated freeze and thaw cycles.
Where does lemon balm grow best?
Choose a shady spot or a location where plants can be protected from midday sun. Lemon balm prefers a fertile, moist soil in a cooler part of the garden. Plants grown in partial shade will be larger and more succulent than those exposed to full sun. Pick leaves throughout the summer for fresh use.
Is lemon balm a perennial or annual?
Lemon Balm Care. A hardy perennial shrub that is tolerant to USDA zones 3 through 7, lemon balm can be grown year-round indoors, as well as outdoors in warmer climates.
Can I plant lemon balm and mint together?
Mints like spearmint, catmint, peppermint, orange mint, and lemon balm can be grown together as long as they have adequate space to spread out.
What zone is lemon balm perennial?
Use the citrusy leaves in tea, summer drinks, or as a garnish. Hardy in Zones 4-9.
What grows well with lemon balm?
What to Plant with Lemon Balm Winter and summer squash. Melons. Tomatoes. All members of the cabbage family (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.) Apples. Kiwi. Onions. Fennel.
Is lemon balm hard to grow?
Yes, lemon balm is one of the easiest herbs to grow in a container. It will flourish in a pot with rich, well-drained potting mix. Pots must be watered often, daily in the heat of summer.
How do I save my lemon balm plant?
To store your lemon or lime balm, keep the leaves and stems in big pieces to retain as much flavor as possible. Store your herbs in paper bags or glass jars (avoid plastic bags as they may lead to condensation). Only when you’re ready to use your herbs should you crumble them up to release their essence.
Does lemon balm attract bees?
BEE BALM and Lemon balm are two distinct herbs, alike in many ways. Both belong to Labiatae, the mint family. Both herbs are hardy perennials, easy to grow, attract bees, yet repel pests. Both make excellent tea or tisanes.
Can you eat lemon balm?
When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.
Can I smoke lemon balm?
The other herbs you can smoke are: Lemon Balm, Wormwood Herb, Greater Celandine Herb, Hemp Buds, Stinging Nettle, Marshmallow Leaf, Licorice Root.
Is lemon balm safe for dogs?
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.
Does lemon balm repel mosquitoes?
Lemon Balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
Is lemon balm an invasive plant?
The lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) is actually a member of the mint family and is a perennial herb. If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden.
Can basil and lemon balm be planted together?
Lemon balm is a great option for container gardening, and it pairs well with summer annuals such as dill or basil.
Can you plant lemon balm with lavender?
All plants can benefit from lavender, especially chamomile, lettuce, brassicas, onions, tomatoes, oregano, thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, basil, lemon balm, squash, olive and fruit trees. Not compatible with plants that need allot of water and shade.
What is a good companion plant for bee balm?
Flower Companion Plants for Bee Balm New Moon Nursery recommends planting bee balm as a companion to daisylike flowers, such as black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and tall tickseed (Coreopsis tripteris), both of which are hardy within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Can lemon balm take a frost?
Frost tolerant A cold-hardy perennial, lemon balm can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C).
Can you direct sow lemon balm?
Lemon balm grows best in well drained rich soil & is sensitive to frost. If you let your lemon balm go to seed, it will easily self sow or you can save the seed to plant in a new location. Direct Sow: After all danger of frost, or start indoors 6 – 8 weeks before last frost.
