Do you love the fresh and zesty taste of lemon in your food and drinks? Well, get ready to meet your new herb best friend – lemon balm!
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a refreshing herb that’s not just a delicious addition to your meals but also has a range of benefits that will leave you positively surprised. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving digestion, this herb is a must-have in your kitchen garden. It’s one of my favorite herbs to always have throughout the year.
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Why is it a fantastic herb?
First, let’s talk about why lemon balm is a fantastic herb in your garden.
It has a pleasant citrus scent that can help freshen up any space. It’s also an incredibly easy herb to grow, so it’s perfect for beginners.
Lemon balm is a perennial herb that’s part of the mint family. It’s a hardy plant that can thrive in various garden settings, including pots and planters, making it an excellent choice for even the most novice gardener.
Please NOTE that I mentioned it’s part of the mint family… For those of us who have grown mint, we are all too familiar with how invasive it can be! I would recommend planting the herb in a pot or planter versus in the ground. Unless you don’t mind it popping up in other areas!
Growing Lemon Balm
To start growing lemon balm, you’ll want to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. With that said, it’s a hardy plant that thrives in most soil types and can tolerate both full sunlight and partial shade if you can’t find a spot with plenty of sunlight.
You can sow the seeds directly into the soil or start them indoors and transplant them once they’ve germinated. It’s a pretty common plant that many nurseries carry in the herb section you can purchase if you’d rather not plant it from seed. My seeds from Botanical Interest did very well last year. True Leaf Market has organic seeds if you’d prefer organic.
Water regularly, but be sure not to overwater, as it prefers slightly drier soil.
The plant will grow up to 2 feet tall and bloom with small white flowers in summer. It’s also great to know that lemon balm attracts bees, which is a bonus for any gardener.
Check out the benefits of having a pollinator garden here!
Propagate Lemon Balm
As mentioned earlier, lemon balm is a member of the mint family which means it’s hardy and simple to propagate.
To propagate lemon balm, you’ll need a jar, water, scissors, and of course, your lemon balm herb. Cut a 6-inch stem from the lemon balm plant, making sure to select a healthy and sturdy one. Remove the leaves from the bottom two inches of the stem and place in a jar filled with water, making sure that only the bottom two inches of the stem are submerged in water. Place the jar in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. Watch as your lemon balm plant grows roots over the next few weeks.
Now that your plant has grown roots, it’s time to transfer it into soil. Fill a pot with potting soil, making a small hole in the middle with your finger. Carefully transfer your lemon balm plant from the jar into the pot, taking care not to damage the roots. Pat the soil gently around the stem, making sure it is firmly in place.
Water your newly potted plant generously and ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a sunny spot and watch your herb grow.
Lemon Balm Benefits
Once your lemon balm has matured, you can start reaping its benefits. Lemon balm is full of essential oils that can help calm your nerves, ease tension, and promote relaxation. It’s such a versatile herb which is why I love having it in my garden!
You can make tea out of the leaves to enjoy its soothing effects or add the leaves to your bathwater for a fragrant and relaxing soak.
But the benefits of lemon balm don’t stop there! It’s also been shown to have antiviral properties that can help combat colds, flu, and other illnesses. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Another way to enjoy the benefits of lemon balm is to use it in your cooking. The leaves have a citrusy aroma and flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try adding fresh lemon balm to your salads or using it as a garnish for your cocktails. You can also make a delicious lemon balm pesto by blending the leaves with pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, lemon balm is an herb worth considering. It’s a versatile and easy-to-grow herb with a delicate lemony flavor and numerous benefits. This herb is a true gem and one I always have either in the garden or indoors during the winter.
Try growing it yourself and experiment with adding it to your favorite recipes or natural remedies. Who knows, you may just fall in love with this herb like everyone else who’s discovered its many uses.
Do you have lemon balm in your garden? Leave a comment below and share how you incorporate this amazing herb into your life!
