How to grow lemon balm in a raised bed

Lemon balm is a lush, lemon-scented member of the mint family — wonderful in teas and cordials, and irresistible to bees. Like mint, it spreads, so give it room or grow it contained.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 40–50 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks, then for months

When should I plant lemon balm?

Lemon balm is a hardy perennial — plant in spring or autumn. It dies back a little in winter and returns. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): August to April
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to April
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to March
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): March to August
• Arid inland: March to September

How do I grow lemon balm in a raised bed?

Plant into moist, rich mix. It self-seeds and spreads readily, so trim the flowers before they set if you want to keep it in check. Cut it back hard mid-season for fresh new growth.

How often should I water and feed lemon balm?

Keep the mix evenly moist for lush leaves; not fussy.

What pests attack lemon balm?

Keep an eye out for aphids and whiteflies — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with lemon balm?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

What grows well with lemon balm?

Its flowers are a bee magnet; plant it where you want to draw pollinators in. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest lemon balm?

Pick leaves as needed for tea; the scent is strongest just before flowering. Best fresh, but it dries for tea.

More growing guides: mint, lemon verbena and chamomile.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Schlaghecken Josef, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.