Lemon balm is a popular houseplant that can be used to make a variety of herbal remedies. It has a pleasant, minty smell and produces pretty blue flowers throughout the year. While it can be an attractive addition to any home, it has some drawbacks that make it unsuitable for most people. This article will show you how to grow lemon balm at home so that you can enjoy its lovely scent and flowers as well.
What is lemon balm?
Lemon balm, also known as sweet balm, is in the same family of plants as mint and is native to eastern Mediterranean regions. The plant has been used as a medicine for centuries, primarily for its anti-inflammatory properties. Native Americans and early European settlers used lemon balm to treat minor skin irritations and anxiety, but it is most commonly used to flavor herbal beverages, such as lemonade.
Why Grow Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm is an attractive houseplant that can be used to make a variety of herbal remedies. It has a pleasant, minty smell and produces pretty blue flowers throughout the year. While it can be an attractive addition to any home, it has some drawbacks that make it unsuitable for most people. This article will show you how to grow lemon balm at home so that you can enjoy its lovely scent and flowers as well.
How to Grow Lemon Balm
Growing lemon balm at home is easy and fun. There are many varieties of this herb, but the most common is Melissa officinalis. This is probably because it’s the one we’re most used to seeing in the store, but there are also other varieties that have different flavors.
Planting Time
The best time to plant lemon balm is in the early spring, when the weather is warming up. The soil should be well-prepared and enriched with compost or fertilizer. You can also add some powdered rock phosphate for added calcium and magnesium. Put the seeds directly in the soil, about a quarter of an inch deep, and press them gently with your fingers to get them to stick. Keep the soil evenly moist, but don’t let it get soggy.
How to Harvest Lemon Balm
There are a few ways to get your lemon balm. You can cut the plant at any time throughout the year, but you should wait until the flowers are finished to get the most medicinal benefits. You can also let the plant go to seed and collect the seeds to save for next year’s crop. When you’re ready to harvest the herb, clip the flowers, roots and all, and dry them naturally, or use a dehydrator to speed up the process.