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 to plant: Lemon balm is a hardy perennial — plant in spring or autumn. It dies back a little in winter and returns. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it 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.
Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for lush leaves; not fussy.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and whiteflies — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.
Common problems: the main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.
Companion plants: Its flowers are a bee magnet; plant it where you want to draw pollinators in. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: 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 planting 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.
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