Lemon Balm

Category: medicinal-herbs

Growing

📍 Zone: 4-9
🌞 Sun: Full sun to partial shade (prefers some afternoon shade in hot climates)
💧 Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil but tolerates short dry spells once established
🌱 Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with good organic matter

📏 Height: 1-3 feet
📏 Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
📅 When To Plant: Spring after danger of frost, or early fall in mild climates
🌱 Propagation: Seeds, division, or softwood cuttings; division is fast and reliable
⬇️ Depth: Sow seeds on surface or barely cover (~1/8 inch); divisions at same depth as original plant
🤝 Companion:
- 0: Broccoli
- 1: Cabbage
- 2: Tomatoes
- 3: Fruit trees (attracts pollinators)
🚫 Avoid Planting Near:

✂️ Pruning: Cut back by half after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent legginess
🪢 Staking Or Support: Rarely needed; bushy habit
❄️ Overwintering: Hardy in zones 4-9; mulch in cold areas to protect roots

⏰ When To Harvest: Before or at the start of flowering for best flavor and medicinal properties
✋ How To Harvest: Snip leaves and stems as needed; avoid cutting more than one-third at a time to allow regrowth
🥫 Preservation: Best used fresh; can be dried (loses some potency) or frozen in ice cubes or oil
⚠️ Edible Or Toxic: Entire plant is edible and safe; mild and lemony flavor
🍴 Culinary: Used fresh in salads, desserts, teas, syrups, and to flavor fish and poultry dishes; also used in herb butters and vinegars
💊 Medicinal:
- Calming & Nervous System Support: Traditionally used to ease anxiety, stress, and mild insomnia; often taken as a tea or tincture.
- Digestive Aid: Helps relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas; mild antispasmodic effects.
- Antiviral & Immune Support: Used externally and internally for cold sores (herpes simplex virus); also used to support immune health during colds and flu.
- Cognitive Support: Historically valued for improving mood and mental clarity.
🌸 Aromatic: Fresh, citrusy scent with sweet lemon undertones; used in potpourri, sachets, and herbal pillows