3 Review(s)

Lemon balm seeds are sown ¼ th of an inch deep into the soil. Once the seeds mature into seedlings, thin them to 8 inches apart and later to 18 inches apart. If you are growing a large number of plants in rows, then, maintain a distance of 18 - 24 inches between each row.Lemon balm plants usually spread their roots. To control the spread of their roots towards other plants, it is advisable to plant them in a container and keep it in the garden. Removing unwanted plants before they are fully grown is extremely crucial.Also, this plant requires some shade during the day.GROWING REQUIREMENTSMANURELemon balm grows well in partial sun as compared to full sun.PESTS & DISEASESPests: Lemon balm plants don’t face any serious pest problems. Diseases: Verticillium Wilt, Mint Rust. Watering the plants in the morning helps to avoid fungal diseases. Companion plants significantly reduce incoming pests on your crops. Watering down the plants with a strong stream of water followed by an application of diluted neem or castor oil on the pest-affected parts of the plant will help to get rid of them.SOILWell-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH level of 6.7 to 7.3.SPOTPartial shade or full sun.TEMPERATURELemon Balm requires a germination temperature between 0.5°C to 1.6°C.WATERINGRegular watering. It grows best in slightly moist soil.HOW TO HARVESTHarvesting lemon balm is quite an easy process. Simply pinch off the leaves and sprigs as per your requirements. If you want to dry the leaves to use them later, harvest the plants before the flowering season in summer. At this time, the lower leaves would begin to turn yellow.Mid-way through the season or in autumn, cut the entire plant and dry the leaves to use later. As soon as the warm weather returns, the plants will grow back within 4 weeks. Lemon balm leaves and stems are stored in big pieces to keep as much of the flavor as possible. Put them in a paper bag or glass jar and store them at room temperature.You should dry the plant within 2 days at a temperature ranging between 90 and 100 degrees F. Use a wire rack to dry them completely. Use an airtight container to store them.