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.
Does lemon balm need to be cut back?
Keep plants well watered during dry spells in summer, and cut back after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of leaves. Lemon balm will self-seed readily, so if you don’t want more plants, remember to remove the faded flowers before they set seed.
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.
How do you get rid of lemon balm?
You can mow it or hoe it, but it will grow back in either case from its roots. If you wish to eliminate lemon balm, my recommendation is to water the area it’s growing in thoroughly, then come back a day or two later and start to hand weed it, roots and all. It pulls easily as long as the soil is damp.
What can I do with a lot of lemon balm?
Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor. Lemon balm also pairs beautifully with poultry—try adding sliced leaves to chicken salad, fish dishes, and even vegetable dishes to serve on the side.
Does lemon balm multiply?
Just add a single plant to your garden, and it’ll come back (and possibly multiply) year after year. Lemon balm can be used as an insect repellent, to make your own herbal tea, and to attract bees. It really doesn’t take much effort to be successful with this lovely-smelling plant.
Why is my lemon balm leggy?
For the most prolific blooms and highest oil content, plant lemon balm in full sun. In southern climates where summers can get quite hot, it fares better in part shade. However, too much shade causes them to become leggy.
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 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.
Where should I plant my lemon balm?
The plants aren’t picky about where they grow and will grow in almost any soil, but they prefer rich, well drained soil. Lemon balm plants will grow in part shade to full sun, but flourish best in full sun.
Is lemon balm invasive in the garden?
Like Verbena, Lemon balm also has a reputation, this time for being invasive, and it’s often bracketed with mint on that score. However, it spreads by seed, not runner, so cut the flower heads off before they seed to reduce your weeding.
What bugs does lemon balm attract?
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Among the insects attracted to lemon balm are tachinid flies, hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It is also said to repel mosquitos if you rub it on your skin. Lemon balm can work as a pest repellant.
Is lemon bee balm invasive?
If you’re asking whether bee balm can be aggressive, then the answer is yes – especially in its ideal growing environment with moist soil in a full sun to part shade location. However, it is not technically deemed invasive everywhere.
Can you eat lemon balm raw?
You can certainly enjoy lemon balm fresh on salads, or in your favorite recipes, too. Be brave! Experiment with its bright flavor.
How do you harvest lemon balm without killing the plant?
To harvest lemon balm for tea and other uses, simply pinch off sprigs from the plant. You can remove sprigs as soon as the plant starts growing, though it’s usually best to wait until it’s grown at least a few stems. Tie the sprigs together and dry them in a warm area.
Can you cook with lemon balm leaves?
What to do with the leaves? They’re great for cooking. Use lemon balm in place of lemon peel in recipes and to flavor soups, sauces, vinegars and seafood. Or add it to your favorite sugar cookie dough for a delicious lemony tea cookie.
Is lemon balm annual or perennial?
perennial shrub
Lemon Balm Care. 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 you use lemon balm after it flowers?
You can harvest handfuls of lemon balm leaves for fresh use almost any time during the growing season. For a large harvest of leaves that will be dried for tea or medicinal use, it is preferable to wait until the plant begins to put on flower buds or just as the flowers begin to open.
Is lemon balm same as lemon grass?
Lemon balm has a lighter flavor than lemon grass, but it gives off a very zesty scent that makes it perfect for aromatic teas. It won’t alter the flavor of your tea as much, but it will add just the slightest lemony tang that gives you the hint of acid you want.
When should I trim my lemon balm?
How to Prune Lemon Balm
- Pinch back the main stems when they reach 6 to 8 inches tall, typically at transplanting.
- Cut back the entire plant once a month after it reaches full size in early to mid summer.
- Remove the old flowers once they wilt.
- Inspect the plant monthly during pruning.
How often should you water lemon balm?
1. Water: Water the roots of the lemon balm plant at least once a week. Allow the top inch of soil to completely dry before watering as overly moist soil can lead to root rot for lemon balm. 2.