Lemon Balm - A Great Aroma Herb In The Mint Family

Lemon Balm is on of the oldest aroma herbs. This plant dates back to the Orient and Europe. The precious smell and oils from this herb were used in Spain and Germany. Today this member of the mint family is grown throughout the world. In the United States it grows well in zones four through nine and especially in the western states.

I have grown this herb in a greenhouse and also sown it directly into the ground. It is slow to germinate but will do well once established. You can also grow from root cuttings or division. If you haven't looked at herb growing from seed, read through this page and get some tips on how to properly germinate herbs. Most herbs will do well in a sandy soil, including Lemon Balm. It does best in full sun but can tolerate shade. I planted a some seeds about five years ago under a well establish Sweetgum tree. I wasn't sure how it would do as the roots from the tree were above ground. Lemon Balm will mature to two to three feet high and around ten to eighteen inches wide. It can also be considered a ground cover and many people use this herb for that purpose. Below are two pictures of a root division I did this fall from the plants that were planted around the Sweetgum tree. I trimmed back the leggy stems and as you can see, it is full and lush. I wanted a plant to enjoy inside over the winter months. If you are in a frost prone area, the top leaves will die out. The plant will renew itself in the spring from the roots.

Full Plant

Close Up

As you can see the leaves are deep green in color and rubbing your fingers across the leaves reveal a wonderful aroma. Also notice the deep veins in each leaf. White or yellow flowers appear in the summer time, mainly in the month of July. They are small and really don't make a statement in a garden. This plant is wonderful in a variety of gardens. I like to design this herb around some solid and variegated shrubs such as Mop Cypress, Globe Arborvitae, Chinese Pizazz, culinary herbs and flowers. In the gallery of plants section there are many specimens that would compliment Lemon Balm. People that live in an apartment or other restricted outdoor space would benefit from planting this herb in a container garden.

This member of the mint family can be harvested. During the first season, cut several of the top branches off. In the second season, the stems should be cut back two or three times during the season. Cut for drying before the flowers appear. Dry on a screen in a cool and vented area. Once the leaves are dried, remove the stems and put the leaves in a container and seal tight. To keep the leaves dark and rich in color, place the container in a dark area.

Lemon Balm is used medicinally in both hot and cold teas. It acts as a soothing agent to the body and relaxes the muscles. The dried leaves can also be put in potpourris and sachets. You can also use the the fresh stems as they produce a strong aroma, and are wonderful in arrangements.

This herb is a favorite to many people as it is one of the most versatile perennial plants to grow. Consider planting this herb in an outdoor area or even keep a container inside year around.