Growing Lemon Balm, also Sweet balm,
Melissa Officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | P |
(Best months for growing Lemon Balm in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)
- 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.
- 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 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.
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