Overview Crispy, minty, lemon flavor that goes great in cool drinks and salads. Conditions Lemon Balm prefers partial shade to full sunlight (4–6 hours) and well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with organic compost for best results. Planting Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Harden off for 7 to 10 days and transplant 12" apart. Harvest leaves as needed or cut entire stalks before flowering. Mature height 18–26" Care Maintain consistent soil moisture, avoiding over watering. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Prune regulary to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage branching and prevent it becoming leggy. Pets and Disease Lemon Balm is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used for control if needed. Here's a link to our favorite homemade insecticide soap recipe for plants! Harvest Harvest in the morning when the essential oils that give it flavor are at their highest concentration with clean scissors or sheers and cut the stems just above a set of leaves. To dry, tie the stems together in small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. Once dried, store the leaves in airtight glass containers.
