03.
Cultivation & Harvesting
considerations for growing and harvesting lemon balm
climate
The lemon balm plant grows well in a partly shaded sheltered position. It can be drought
tolerant as it is able to tolerate dry places. It is typically grown in herb
gardens providing bushy, lemon-scented leaves. Planted near edges of the garden, traffic flow will release its citrus smell when it is brushed against.
soil
Lemon balm grows in any well-drained soil, but it prefers a light rich moist soil.
growing
Lemon balm can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or division of roots in
spring or autumn. It grows in clumps and spreads well. In mild temperate
zones, the stems of the plant die off at the start of the winter, but will shoot
up again in spring.
Lemon Balm grows vigorously and care should be taken against placing it
where it will spread into other plantings.
harvesting
The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is harvested just before or just after flowering.
preserving
Dried lemon balm is best stored (as cut pieces or powder) in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.