Lemon Balm Plant

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Key Features

Lemon balm is a wonderfully aromatic herb prized for its bright, lemony fragrance and soothing, uplifting effects.
Its tender green leaves release a calming citrus scent when brushed or crushed, making it a favourite for teas, culinary use, and natural wellness.

A vigorous, easy-growing perennial that spreads gently and thrives in almost any soil, even in low-maintenance or beginner gardens.
Bees adore its soft white blooms, making lemon balm an excellent addition to pollinator beds and herbal gardens.

Highly versatile—use fresh or dried in teas, salads, desserts, syrups, herbal remedies, and homestead apothecary projects.

Growth & Planting

• USDA Planting Zone: 3–9 (very hardy and winter-tough)

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade; more shade helps keep flavour mild and leaves tender.

• Soil: Grows in almost any soil; prefers well-drained, moderately rich ground.

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Spacing: 12–18 inches for garden beds; allow room for spreading.

• Mature Size: 1–2 ft tall, 1–3 ft wide.

• Harvesting: Pick fresh leaves all season; cut back midsummer to encourage new, fragrant growth.

Why Grow Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm is one of the easiest, most rewarding herbs you’ll ever grow—fragrant, relaxing, and endlessly useful in the kitchen and home apothecary.
It’s incredibly hardy, fast-growing, and dependable, returning bigger and stronger each year with almost no care.

Perfect for tea lovers, pollinator gardens, herbalists, and anyone who wants a beautiful, fragrant plant that practically thrives on neglect. The flavour, scent, and versatility make lemon balm a must-have in every homestead garden.