Fragrant, flavorful, and a pollinator favorite—lemon balm is the herb your garden didn’t know it needed

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family, known for its soothing lemon scent and versatility in herbal teas, culinary dishes, and natural remedies. It’s easy to grow, resilient, and attracts bees and butterflies while repelling mosquitoes. Whether you’re planting in raised beds, containers, or directly into garden soil, this cheerful herb will thrive with just a bit of thoughtful care.

Why Grow Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm is more than just a pretty face in the herb garden. With its lemony fragrance and gentle medicinal properties, it’s a staple in herbal medicine and beloved by cottage gardeners and permaculture enthusiasts alike. It’s a perennial in zones 4–9, making it a long-term companion in most temperate gardens.

Historical Uses of Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a centuries-old reputation as a plant of peace and comfort. Used in traditional medicine since at least the Middle Ages, it was often called the “elixir of life.” Physicians and monks prescribed it to reduce stress, soothe digestion, treat insect bites, and improve sleep. The famed herbalist Paracelsus claimed lemon balm could “completely revive a man.” Even today, lemon balm is a staple in many calming herbal blends and tinctures.

Best Time to Plant Lemon Balm
You can plant lemon balm in early spring after the last frost, or in fall in milder climates. Starting from seed, transplant, or root division are all great options.

From seed – Start indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date or sow directly once the soil warms to at least 65°F (18°C).
From transplants – Plant in the garden after danger of frost has passed.
From divisions – Divide mature clumps in spring or fall for quick, established growth.

Where to Plant Lemon Balm
Lemon balm prefers full sun but tolerates part shade—especially in hot climates where afternoon sun may scorch leaves. Choose a location with well-draining soil, and keep in mind that it can spread (vigorously!) if left unchecked. Containers and raised beds offer ideal control.

Soil should be moderately rich with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amending with compost will give it a nice boost at planting.

How to Plant Lemon Balm
Give lemon balm some room to spread: 18–24 inches between plants is ideal. Plant shallowly, just covering the root ball or seeds with a light layer of soil. Water in well and keep the soil consistently moist until plants are established.

If sowing seeds directly, gently press them into the surface—light helps them germinate—and keep the area evenly moist.

Caring for Lemon Balm
This herb is famously low-maintenance once it settles in. Here’s how to keep it thriving:

Water – Moderate watering is best. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Fertilizer – A light top dressing of compost in spring is usually sufficient. Overfeeding can reduce the intensity of the fragrance.
Pruning – Cut back after flowering to encourage new leaves and prevent legginess. Frequent harvesting also keeps it tidy.
Winter Care – In zones 4–6, mulch around the base in late fall to protect roots. In warmer zones, it stays evergreen.

Harvesting Lemon Balm
The best flavor comes right before the plant flowers. Cut stems a few inches above the ground, leaving at least a third of the plant behind so it can regrow. For drying, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too intense.

Pro tip: You can get several harvests per season if you keep cutting it back regularly.

How to Use Lemon Balm
Tea – Fresh or dried leaves steeped in hot water make a calming herbal tea.
Culinary – Chop into fruit salads, baked goods, or use as a garnish.
Skincare – Infuse in oil for balms and salves to soothe skin.
In the Garden – Companion plant with tomatoes or squash to attract pollinators and deter pests.

Common Lemon Balm Problems
Though hardy, lemon balm may face a few issues:

Powdery mildew – Prevent with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Root rot – Caused by soggy soil. Ensure drainage is adequate.
Self-seeding – Lemon balm can spread prolifically; remove flowers before they go to seed if you want to control it.

Propagating Lemon Balm
Dividing plants every 2–3 years keeps them vigorous. You can also propagate via cuttings—just snip a healthy stem, strip the lower leaves, and root in water or moist potting mix.

Master Gardener Tip
To preserve the strongest lemon scent, harvest lemon balm in the morning and avoid letting it flower. Once in bloom, it diverts energy away from leaf oils, which reduces fragrance and potency