As mentioned, lemon balm is part of the mint family and it will spread on its own in the yard, but unlike mint it won’t take over, if you are careful about pruning.
How fast does lemon balm spread?
The versatile herb is a rapid grower outdoors—after planting in early spring, it’s not unusual to see a lemon balm plant grow to over a foot tall (sometimes, even two!) in just a single season.
Does lemon balm spread?
Lemon balm does not spread by underground runners like mint. It will increase in size, though, making a bigger clump in the garden each season and sprouting from seeds that develop from inconspicuous flowers.
Will lemon balm regrow?
Growing. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall and have leaves, they’re ready to harvest. Since an entire lemon balm plant can regrow in about a month’s time during warm weather, don’t be afraid to cut back on the plant when it gets bushy.
How long will lemon balm plant last?
around twenty to thirty years
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a Mediterranean herb with an incredibly long lifespan of around twenty to thirty years. Thanks to its rapid growth habit, lemon balm spreads quickly and must be kept in check to stop it taking over your entire garden!
What can I plant near lemon balm?
Most herbs, fruits, and vegetables make great lemon balm companions, including the following:
- Winter and summer squash.
- Melons.
- Tomatoes.
- All members of the cabbage family (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.)
- Apples.
- Kiwi.
- Onions.
- Fennel.
Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.
Will lemon balm choke out other plants?
It chokes out other weeds very well. I have found one thing that seems to be even more aggressive in its spread than lemon balm and that is those wild orangeread more.
Is lemon balm a good companion plant?
Companion Plants for Lemon Balm
Companion plants include dill, basil, squash, broccoli, cabbage family, cauliflower, hollyhocks, melons, angelica, nasturtiums, squash, tomatoes. Its beautiful flowers attract beneficial pollinators, and the leaf’s strong aroma deter pests such as cabbage moths, mosquitoes, and gnats.
How do you keep lemon balm under control?
The most effective way to keep lemon balm in bounds is to prevent the plant from going to seed. One way to accomplish this is to shear the plant two or three times every year so it doesn’t bloom. Don’t worry; cutting the plant back won’t hurt it.
Will lemon balm survive winter?
Like mint, lemon balm is quite hardy and can be overwintered as far north as hardiness zones 4 and 5. It is always a good idea to mulch plants year-round, but winter mulch is of the utmost importance. Mulch helps keep the ground frozen in areas where the ground freezes and keeps it warmer in areas where it doesn’t.
Can you harvest lemon balm after flowering?
For the most potency, harvest leaves before flowering. Leave some of the plants to flower for the bees, and after flowering, cut back up to two-thirds of the plant to encourage bushier and sturdier plants. Harvesting the plants at different times means you will have new, fresh growth to pick all season long.
What can you do with lemon balm clippings?
Add a few Tablespoons of chopped lemon balm leaves to fruit salads to impart some lemony flavor without making it sour or too tart. Also, try mixing some chopped leaves with yogurt to use as topping for fruit salads.
Can I divide a lemon balm plant?
Lemon balm can also be propagated by dividing old clumps in spring or early fall, or from cuttings.
How many lemon balm plants do I need?
Once they get going, thin plants so they are about 10 inches apart. If you want to harvest for cooking or to make your own tea, you’ll want to grow at least four plants. Lemon balm works great directly on the ground or in containers. Keep in mind that this plant spreads easily and can quickly take over a garden area.
Do bees like lemon balm?
Lemon Balm (Melissa) – Lemon Balm is known by many names, Melissa, the genus name means “honeybee” and it is definitely a favorite of the bees. It’s also a wonderful herb to have on hand. The leaves are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, sedative and aromatic.
Is lemon balm a good ground cover?
Lemon Balm grows beautifully throughout the garden as lovely ground cover and also grows very well in containers. It’s related to the Mint family, and has small mint-like green leaves. Lemon Balm is very easy to grow from cuttings and grows well in part shade/sunny positions.
Is lemon balm aggressive?
Lemon Balm
Spreads aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, but makes an attractive filler and background, especially variegated varieties.
Can lavender and lemon balm grow together?
All plants can benefit from lavender, especially chamomile, lettuce, brassicas, onions, tomatoes, oregano, thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, basil, lemon balm, squash, olive and fruit trees.
Can I eat lemon balm raw?
The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after. Lemon balm has a long history of a wide array herbal medicine uses, in particular for soothing, calming and raising the spirit – just one smell of the crushed leaves does all of these for me.
Can you chew lemon balm leaves?
A leaf can be chewed to freshen the breath or crushed and placed on a bug bite to help ease the itch. Our favorite use is to turn it into a lip balm for cold sores!