Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a versatile and relatively easy herb to grow from seed. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner, you can successfully grow lemon balm from seeds with a little care and attention.
To start, it’s best to sow lemon balm seeds indoors during the spring months, from March to May. This allows the plants to establish themselves before being transplanted outdoors. You can sow the seeds in small pots or trays filled with seed compost, which provides the ideal growing medium for the seeds.
When sowing the seeds, you can simply scatter a few seeds on the surface of the compost. Lemon balm seeds are quite small, so there’s no need to bury them deep in the soil. Just gently press them into the surface of the compost, ensuring they have good contact with the soil.
After sowing the seeds, it’s important to keep the compost consistently moist but not waterlogged. You can cover the pots or trays with a clear plastic bag or a propagator lid to create a mini greenhouse effect, which helps to retain moisture and create a warm environment for germination.
Germination usually takes around 7 to 14 days, although it can sometimes take longer. Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the plastic cover to allow for better air circulation and prevent damping off, a fungal disease that can affect young seedlings.
As the seedlings grow, you can thin them out if necessary to provide enough space for each plant to develop. This can be done by carefully removing the weaker seedlings, leaving the strongest ones to thrive.
Lemon balm plants prefer a sunny or partially shaded location in the garden, with well-drained soil. They can also be grown in containers if space is limited. When transplanting the seedlings outdoors, make sure to harden them off gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day, increasing the time gradually over a week or two.
Once established, lemon balm plants are quite resilient and require minimal care. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will help to keep the plants healthy. It’s also a good idea to mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Lemon balm is a perennial herb, which means it will come back year after year. It has a tendency to spread, so you may need to divide the plants every few years to prevent overcrowding. This can be done in early spring or autumn by carefully digging up the clump and separating it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots attached.
In terms of pests and diseases, lemon balm is relatively resistant. However, it can occasionally be affected by aphids or powdery mildew. Regularly inspecting the plants and taking appropriate measures, such as using organic pest control methods or improving air circulation, can help prevent and manage these issues.
Lemon balm is an easy herb to grow from seed, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. By following the recommended sowing and care instructions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of lemon-scented leaves for culinary use or simply to enjoy its aromatic qualities in the garden.
