2 to 3 feet high.
Lemon balm grows from 2 to 3 feet high and should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Lemon balm prefers full sunlight but will tolerate light shade. Plants grown with some shade tend to produce larger and more succulent leaves.
How wide does lemon balm get?
Plant form and size: Lemon balm grows to 12 to 24 inches tall and wide; it grows in clumps of branched stems with loose terminal clusters of small white to creamy yellow flowers at the top.
Does lemon balm come back every year?
Lemon balm thrives in slightly moist soil, but once established as a perennial and growing well every year, the plants handle drought conditions.
Do lemon balm plants 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.
Does lemon balm become invasive?
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.
Does lemon balm keep flies away?
What makes lemon balm so effective as an insect repellent is its high levels of a compound called citronellal. So rather than using toxic chemical repellents, just place a lemon balm plant in your home to repel insects. Sage’s strong smell and oil both act in repelling mosquitoes and flies.
How do you keep lemon balm from spreading?
Lemon balm, like mint spreads rapidly (becomes weedy) and can take over an herb bed. Growing plants in containers helps control this problem. If planted in the soil, harvest the leaves regularly, remove the flowers before they set seed, and dig around the plant edges to reduce root spreading.
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.
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.
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.
Is lemon balm edible raw?
Edibility – 5/5 – Strongly aromatic, reminiscent of sweet lemon, with menthol qualities (without actually being “minty”). The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after.
Why you need lemon balm in your garden?
Lemon Balm Repels Annoying Bugs
This herb has the ability to repel ants, mosquitoes, and flies with its high amount of compounds that resemble the scent of citronella.
What is lemon balm plant good for?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
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 aggressive?
Lemon Balm
Spreads aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, but makes an attractive filler and background, especially variegated varieties.
What kills lemon balm?
How to Eradicate Lemon Balm
- Loosen the soil underneath unwanted lemon balm plants using a garden trowel or fork.
- Remove all roots with your garden tools.
- Spread mulch in the affected area to prevent any regrowth.
- Apply an organic herbicide, such as one containing clove oil, should the previous methods fail.
What bugs does lemon balm repel?
Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats. Commonly grown as ornamental border plants, marigolds are hardy annual plants which have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes, and some other insects, find particularly offensive.
What can I make with lemon balm leaves?
A handful of fresh lemon balm and mint makes an excellent hot or iced tea, especially with honey. You can also use the herb to bake a batch of lemon balm cookies or lemon balm bread, whisk up a quick lemon balm vinaigrette, or top your pasta with lemon balm pesto.
What plant gets rid of mosquitoes?
Marigolds emit a scent that helps to deter mosquitoes. They are a great addition to a garden because they are easy to grow and also prevent aphids, whiteflies, and other pests. Rosemary, thyme, & basil. Similar to lavender and marigolds, these fragrant herbs emit a smell on their own that works to keep mosquitoes away.
How fast does lemon balm grow?
Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Plant Type: | Herbaceous perennial | Water Needs: |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Maturity: | 70 days | Soil Drainage: |
| Spacing: | 1-2 feet | Companion Planting: |
| Planting Depth: | Seeds on surface, transplants to depth of pot | Family: |
| Height: | 5 feet | Genus: |
Will deer eat lemon balm?
If food is scarce enough, hungry deer have been known to eat almost anything.
List of Top Deer-Resistant Plants, Flowers, and Shrubs.
| Botanical name | Common name |
|---|---|
| Melissa officinalis | Lemon Balm |
| Mentha sp. | Mint |
| Monarda didyma | Bee Balm |