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Lemon Balm

— · Texas-Grown

Lemon Balm

$4.00

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant perennial herb in the mint family with bright green, lemon-scented leaves used in teas, culinary applications, aromatherapy, and natural medicine. It has a long history of use for stress relief and digestive support. Fast-growing and easy to cultivate, it thrives in Austin’s climate with some afternoon shade in peak summer. It is also a superb pollinator plant.

Care Instructions
Watering Moderate water needs Keep soil evenly moist; more tolerant of moisture than true mints Reduce in winter
Fertilizing
Light feeding in spring with balanced organic fertilizer Excessive nitrogen reduces essential oil concentration and fragrance
Pruning & Maintenance
Harvest regularly to encourage fresh growth and prevent flowering Cut back hard in midsummer if plants become leggy or stressed Contain by removing self-seeded seedlings or planting in raised beds
Common Issues
Powdery mildew in humid conditions Mint aphids Spreads aggressively if not managed
Provide afternoon shade in Austin’s peak summer heat to prevent scorching Water more frequently in full sun during summer months Contain spread by dividing annually or planting in buried containers Dries well for tea; harvest before flowering for best flavor
Seasonal Notes
Spring
Rapid growth; excellent time to transplant and divide Harvest freely once plants are established
Summer
May wilt in full afternoon sun during peak heat; afternoon shade helps greatly Cut back if leggy
Fall
Resumes vigorous growth in cooler temps; excellent planting time
Winter
Dies back to ground; re-emerges reliably in spring
Best Time to Plant in Austin
Fall through spring for best establishment Can be planted year-round except peak summer Ideal soil temperatures: 55-75 F
Sun Requirements
Full sun to partial shade Afternoon shade recommended in Austin to prevent scorching
Spacing
18-24 inches apart Spreads vigorously; consider containing in beds or pots
Soil
Well-draining, moderately fertile soil Tolerates a wide range of soils pH 6.0-7.5
Watering After Planting
Water thoroughly at transplanting Maintain even moisture until established
Tomatoes Squash Peppers Melons Echinacea Basil Chives Lavender
Lemon Balm is generally considered non-toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses However: May cause mild sedative effects in cats. Feed only in very small quantities; monitor for digestive upset.

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