-20F.
Frost tolerant A cold-hardy perennial, lemon balm can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C).
Can lemon balm stay outside in 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.
Does lemon balm freeze?
Freezing works well for herbs like parsley, dill, basil, chives lemon balm, mint or tarragon.
What temps can lemon balm tolerate?
Sun and Temperature
Lemon balm prefers a sunny position but will tolerate some light shade. This hardy perennial shrub can tolerate temperatures down to -20ºF, (-30ºC) and will grow well in USDA zones 4 to 9.
How do you winterize lemon balm?
If you live in these zones, cover the plants with a layer of mulch to protect them from freezing temperatures. Mulch materials include straw, leaves, pine leaves or newspaper. Mulched lemon balm plants easily over-winter and return to growth as the temperatures warm up.
Can lemon balm handle frost?
Frost tolerant
A cold-hardy perennial, lemon balm can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C).
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.
Does lemon balm come back year after year?
If you want to introduce your children to growing herbs, lemon balm is a good choice because it grows so easily and usually comes back year after year. Lemon balm has heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges and looks like mint, but it gives off a lemony scent.
Why is my lemon balm turning purple?
When you notice a plant with purple leaves rather than the normal green color, it is most likely due to a phosphorus deficiency. All plants need phosphorus (P) in order to create energy, sugars, and nucleic acids. Young plants are more likely to display signs of phosphorus deficiency than older plants.
Is lemon balm an annual or perennial?
perennial herb
Lemon balm is a bushy perennial herb with deliciously lemon-scented leaves and creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer.
Does lemon balm like full sun?
Many herbs do well in the sun, but lemon balm needs shade. Especially in areas in which the summer sun is hot, this plant grows best with some shade in the afternoon or in a spot where there are tall trees to lessen the intensity of the sun.
Is lemon balm a perennial in zone 8?
A hardy perennial shrub that is tolerant to USDA zones 3 through 7, lemon balm can be grown year-round indoors, as well as outdoors in warmer climates.
Can lemon balm grow in pots?
To grow lemon balm in a container, plant seeds or transplants in a pot that is at least eight inches deep and 15 to 18-inches wide. Place the pot in a location that receives at least 5 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Can potted herbs survive the winter?
Just be sure to bring your potted herbs indoors before a hard freeze descends. Once inside, place the potted herb in a sunny window and keep the soil slightly moist. Herbs like rosemary, sage, sweet bay, lemon grass, and lemon verbena do well as winter houseplants or even year-round houseplants given enough light.
Is lemon balm invasive?
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.
Can I grow lemon balm from cuttings?
Plants: Lemon balm is propagated from seeds or transplants grown from stem and root cuttings (divisions) or by layering. To grow lemon balm from seeds, sow in the early spring (around March).
What grows well with lemon balm?
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 revive lemon balm?
Responding to the Crisis
Remove all brown and dry leaves from the plant, and shape up the remaining stems. Use garden scissors, and sterilize the blades with household disinfectant to prevent the spread of disease. Your lemon balm will rebound quickly, provided you don’t stop there.
How do I save my lemon balm plant?
To air-dry lemon balm plant, gather 5-6 stems together and tie them up around the stem with a piece of string. To allow for good air circulation, do not tie too many stems together. Hang your bunches of lemon balm in a cool dry and dark spot in your house.
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!