Soil
Rich well-drained soil.
Position
Any sunny spot.
Frost tolerant
A cold-hardy perennial, lemon balm can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C).
Feeding
Not generally required.
Companions
Squash, Tomato and Beans.
Spacing
Single Plants: 1′ 11″ (60cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1′ 11″ (60cm) with 1′ 11″ (60cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Start with a purchased plant, or obtain a rooted piece from a friend or neighbor who has an established clump. Lemon balm can be transplanted from early spring to early summer. You also can start seeds in late winter, and set out the seedlings in spring. Lemon balm grows into a rounded mound.
Notes
Lemon balm is very easy to grow. Locate it where leaves can be conveniently picked, crushed and sniffed.
Harvesting
Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying or steeping into tinctures in early summer, just before the plants bloom.
Troubleshooting
Control lemon balm’s spread by cutting back flowering stems in late summer.
