Important notes
in a bed: Lemon balm self-seeds readily and spreads. Cut it back before it sets seed or keep it in a pot.
Light
Bright to full sun, 14–16 h; tolerates some part shade.
Watering
Keep evenly moist; likes things slightly damper than Mediterranean herbs, but no waterlogging.
Temperature
18–28 °C; hardy, re-sprouts in spring.
Humidity
50–65 %.
Target values by method & stage
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 5.8–6.5 | 0.4–0.8 | 18–22 | 18–24 | 60–70 | 15 | 14 |
| Seedling | 5.8–6.5 | 0.8–1.2 | 18–22 | 16–24 | 55–65 | 15 | 25 |
| Vegetative | 5.8–6.7 | 1.2–1.8 | 18–22 | 18–28 | 50–65 | 15 | 35 |
| Harvest | 5.8–6.7 | 1.2–1.6 | 18–22 | 18–28 | 50–65 | 14 | 35 |
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6.1–6.8 | 0.4–0.8 | — | 18–24 | 60–70 | 15 | 14 |
| Seedling | 6.1–6.8 | 0.8–1.2 | — | 16–24 | 55–65 | 15 | 25 |
| Vegetative | 6.1–7 | 1.2–1.8 | — | 18–28 | 50–65 | 15 | 35 |
| Harvest | 6.1–7 | 1.2–1.6 | — | 18–28 | 50–65 | 14 | 35 |
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 5.8–6.5 | 0.4–0.8 | 18–22 | 18–24 | 60–70 | 15 | 14 |
| Seedling | 5.8–6.5 | 0.8–1.2 | 18–22 | 16–24 | 55–65 | 15 | 25 |
| Vegetative | 5.8–6.7 | 1.2–1.8 | 18–22 | 18–28 | 50–65 | 15 | 35 |
| Harvest | 5.8–6.7 | 1.2–1.6 | 18–22 | 18–28 | 50–65 | 14 | 35 |
Common problems
Mildew in still air, rust fungi, aphids; goes bare without trimming.
Pests & diseases
| Pest / Disease | Symptom | Organic treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | sticky shoots | rinse off, beneficials |
| Powdery mildew | white coating on leaves | airflow, cut back |
Edible parts
- Leaves · edible from Vegetative — for tea and lemonade
Yield techniques
Harvest before flowering (peak aroma); a hard cut-back drives fresh, aromatic regrowth.
Propagation & pollination
- Method
- seed
- Germination time
- 14 days
- Germination temp
- 18-22 °C
- Sowing depth
- 0.2 cm
- Pollination
- insect
- Hand pollination needed
- no
light germinator; also division/cuttings
Flavor
lemony, mild minty
Storage
Fresh or dried for tea.
History
Lemon balm comes from the eastern Mediterranean and was valued by Greeks and Romans as a calming herb and bee forage.
Nutrition
Contains essential oils (citronellal) and antioxidants, considered calming.
Sources
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