Lemon Balm Growing Indoors

November 14, 2024 Post a Comment

Lemon balm growing indoors

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 you keep lemon balm alive in the 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 helps keep the ground frozen in areas where the ground freezes and keeps it warmer in areas where it doesn't.

Should lemon balm be inside or outside?

Plant in full sun with some light shade in spring, mid-summer, or even late summer—or all three if you want to keep your supply going for a longer period of time. You can also grow lemon balm indoors pretty much year-round, along with several other herbs.

Does lemon balm like sun or shade?

Lemon balm is a bushy perennial herb with deliciously lemon-scented leaves and creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer. It is vigorous and easy to grow in sun or light shade.

Does lemon balm come back every year?

Lemon Balm Is Perennial Not Annual Perennial lemon balm will grow back year after year, so it's not an annual. In cold areas that experience frosts lemon balm might die back all the way to its roots, but don't worry. If the ground is well drained it will emerge again in spring with its fresh citrusy scent.

Is lemon balm still good after it flowers?

For the most potency, harvest leaves before flowering. Leave some of the plants to flower for the bees, and after flowering, cut back up to two-thirds of the plant to encourage bushier and sturdier plants. Harvesting the plants at different times means you will have new, fresh growth to pick all season long.

How cold is too cold for lemon balm?

Frost tolerant A cold-hardy perennial, lemon balm can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C).

Will lemon balm grow back after cutting?

To keep plants vigorous, thin plants out in mid-summer by cutting out stems to open up the plant to better air circulation. Lemon balm can also be cut back to about one-half its height to encourage fresh, vigorous new growth. Watering after this heavy pruning helps the plant recover quicker.

How long do lemon balm plants last?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a Mediterranean herb with an incredibly long lifespan of around twenty to thirty years.

Can you eat lemon balm raw?

The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after. Lemon balm has a long history of a wide array herbal medicine uses, in particular for soothing, calming and raising the spirit – just one smell of the crushed leaves does all of these for me.

Does lemon balm repel mosquitoes?

The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.

Does lemon balm spread like mint?

Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.

Is lemon balm toxic to 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.

Should you deadhead lemon balm?

Deadheading is a must for lemon balm plants. The dead flower heads contain seeds, and if they drop to the ground, the plant self-sows and continues to spread throughout your garden. In the winter, cut the lemon balm back, leaving only two inches of the stem. Don't be alarmed; the plant grows back rapidly in the spring.

Is lemon balm a succulent?

Lemon balm grows from 2 to 3 feet high and should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Lemon balm prefers full sunlight but will tolerate light shade. Plants grown with some shade tend to produce larger and more succulent leaves.

How do you care for potted lemon balm?

Watering: Lemon balm requires regular, even watering. It grows best in slightly moist soil. Once established lemon balm tolerates drought. Feeding: Lemon balm does not require extra feeding; side-dress plants with aged compost during the growing season.

Does lemon balm repel ants?

Lemon Balm This member of the mint family emits a clean lemon scent. Mosquitoes don't like it. Neither do flies and ants.

Does lemon balm reseed itself?

Lemon Balm is a perennial and can be started from seed. It is easy to grow and will even reseed itself.

Can you freeze fresh lemon balm leaves?

Some herbs maintain their flavor better when frozen instead of dried. Freezing works well for herbs like parsley, dill, basil, chives lemon balm, mint or tarragon.

What can I do with lots of lemon balm?

Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor. Lemon balm also pairs beautifully with poultry—try adding sliced leaves to chicken salad, fish dishes, and even vegetable dishes to serve on the side.