Ok, it is time to expand the herb garden. After recently adding saffron and the bay leaf to our collection, I am always looking for more herbs to grow. Today I will share with you some of the research I did on how to grow lemon balm both indoors and outdoors.

The scientific name is Melissa Officinalis, and it is actually a member of the mint family. Lemon balm can often be found growing wild, in most areas of the world. However it does not have that strong mint aroma, it is more subtle and less aggressive when it grows. You can use it in your cooking, or as a medicinal herb and it even has aromatherapy properties too.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• lemon balm seeds or cuttings
• organic fertilizer
• compost
• mulch
• potting soil (optional)
• container (optional)

If you are planting it outside, you want to choose an area that receives shade in the afternoons, preferably with soil that has a neutral pH. Don’t forget to spread out some compost before planting and also cover the top with mulch after planting. Water frequently to keep it going. When growing it indoors in containers, make sure it receives at least 6 hours of good sunlight daily.

As far as pests and diseases are concerned, it usually is not susceptible to these, however you can keep an eye out for powdery mildew. In the fall, you can prune them to ground level and they will regrow in the spring. Regular fertilizer application will allow you to have a regular supply throughout the year. Enjoy it in salads, salsa, potpourri, cupcakes, a relaxing herbal tea or dried seasoning for fish and chicken.

You can get more information on the Herb Gardener blog, here…

How To Grow Lemon Balm

You can watch the video below on growing lemon balm…

You can watch the video below on how to grow lemon balm indoors…

You can watch the video below on saving seeds from lemon balm plants…

.