Growing Lemon Balm, also Sweet balm,

Melissa Officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              S S S    
                T T T  
                P P P  

(Best months for growing Lemon Balm in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 25 cm apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Cut back tall stems to prevent flowering.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Good to attract bees
  • Lemon Balm

Lemon balm will grow from seed or cuttings. It self seeds readily and can become a nuisance if not checked.

Leaf shape is somewhat like mint and it likes to spread in the same way.

Pleasant lemon scent, released when a leaf is crushed.

Will grow in sun or part-shade. Lemon balm is shallow rooted so needs some water in hot dry weather. Does not like constant wet soil though. Attracts bees.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Lemon Balm

As a herb tea or added to fruit punch.
Can be used to replace lemon, used sparingly, in desserts and with stewed fruit.
Chop leaves into salad.

Better used fresh than dried.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
13 Aug 24, Nathan Schwartz (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I don’t actually mind that it's a bit invasive. I guess it depends on how your garden works for you, but I love its scent, especially in the middle of a really warm summer when it just fills the garden with fragrance, and it’s super easy to pull up if it does self seed. If you’re ever worried about that sort of maintenance, it’s honestly not a problem, and it’s such a great plant for bees. There’s tons more info on how to grow and propagate it, as well as preventing its spread if you’re worried here: https://aussiegreenthumb.com/how-to-grow-lemon-balm/
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12 Apr 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Maybe a little early as it says plant APRIL/MAY.
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09 Apr 21, Vanessa (USA - Zone 6b climate)
My lemon balm did very well last year, but i don't see any sign of it coming back. I dont believe o saw it flower though last year. Is it still to early? I live on long island, ny.
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14 Mar 18, Pat (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Tauranga and was wondering if I can grow lemon balm seeds now or do I have to wait until summer. Also I have planted mint seeds in a pot and was wondering if they will come up or not Pat
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14 Jun 17, douglas (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
where in cape town south africa can i purchase lemon balm plants
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21 Mar 16, Levi Michelson (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy lemon balm seeds or cuttings in the South Melbourne area?
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16 May 16, Tom (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Lemonbalm seeds aren't particularly rare, I think i even picked mine up at Kmart or a 2 dollar shop!
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29 Jun 15, Matthew Gerlach (USA - Zone 2b climate)
Your website is showing that lemon balm is the same thing as bee balm when in fact they are two different genomes entirely. This could be very misleading and someone could mix up the two and possibly have a very different experience (Possibly not pleasant) if they were to start using bee balm instead of lemon balm as a supplement. I think this should be changed immediately. (That's done - thank you for the comment, Liz)
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13 Mar 13, MICHAEL (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
DOES LOCAL LEMON LEAVES ATTRACT BEES TO BEEHIVES?
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17 Feb 13, mike (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
where can i buy lemon herb seeds.i would like to start a organic herb garden.
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