How To Prune 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.

Should you cut back lemon balm?

To keep plants vigorous, thin plants out in mid-summer by cutting out stems to open up the plant to better air circulation. Lemon balm can also be cut back to about one-half its height to encourage fresh, vigorous new growth. Watering after this heavy pruning helps the plant recover quicker.

How do you manage lemon balm?

How to Eradicate Lemon Balm Loosen the soil underneath unwanted lemon balm plants using a garden trowel or fork. Remove all roots with your garden tools. Spread mulch in the affected area to prevent any regrowth. Apply an organic herbicide, such as one containing clove oil, should the previous methods fail.

When should I harvest my lemon balm?

The best time to harvest lemon balm is right before the plant blossoms—this is when the oil that creates its signature flavor is at its most potent. You can harvest small amounts of lemon balm for use throughout its growing season by snapping off a few leaves at a time.

How fast does lemon balm spread?

The versatile herb is a rapid grower outdoors—after planting in early spring, it’s not unusual to see a lemon balm plant grow to over a foot tall (sometimes, even two!) in just a single season.

Can you start lemon balm from cuttings?

Plants: Lemon balm is propagated from seeds or transplants grown from stem and root cuttings (divisions) or by layering. To grow lemon balm from seeds, sow in the early spring (around March).

Should you let lemon balm flower?

It grows as a bushy, leafy herb with a pleasant lemon smell and small white flowers. If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Removing the flowers of the plant as soon as they appear will make your lemon balm far less invasive.

What grows well with lemon balm?

What to Plant with Lemon Balm Winter and summer squash. Melons. Tomatoes. All members of the cabbage family (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.) Apples. Kiwi. Onions. Fennel.

Does lemon balm repel mosquitoes?

Lemon Balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.

What are the health benefits of lemon balm?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).

Can you plant mint and lemon balm together?

Mints like spearmint, catmint, peppermint, orange mint, and lemon balm can be grown together as long as they have adequate space to spread out.

Can you harvest lemon balm after its flowered?

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.

How do you care for potted lemon balm?

Water your plant regularly, without letting it get soggy. A nice sunny spot will be best for your lemon balm, with at least five hours per day of sunlight. You can use a light liquid fertilizer for houseplants every couple of weeks to encourage growth.

Can you eat lemon balm leaves?

Lemon balm leaves and lemon balm essential oil are antiviral and rich in antioxidants, which is why they are both used in a variety of natural health medications and beauty products. Lemon balm is safe to consume in regular culinary amounts or small medicinal doses.

Does lemon balm attract bees?

BEE BALM and Lemon balm are two distinct herbs, alike in many ways. Both belong to Labiatae, the mint family. Both herbs are hardy perennials, easy to grow, attract bees, yet repel pests. Both make excellent tea or tisanes.

Can I smoke lemon balm?

The other herbs you can smoke are: Lemon Balm, Wormwood Herb, Greater Celandine Herb, Hemp Buds, Stinging Nettle, Marshmallow Leaf, Licorice Root.

Is lemon balm safe for 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.

How do you revive a lemon balm plant?

Responding to the Crisis Remove all brown and dry leaves from the plant, and shape up the remaining stems. Use garden scissors, and sterilize the blades with household disinfectant to prevent the spread of disease. Your lemon balm will rebound quickly, provided you don’t stop there.

Can you replant lemon balm?

Lemon balm can be transplanted from early spring to early summer. You also can start seeds in late winter, and set out the seedlings in spring. Lemon balm grows into a rounded mound.

Is lemon balm poisonous?

Lemon balm essential oil is very toxic undiluted. In large doses, it produces narcosis and it is considered a narcotic. Doses above 2 g per day have produced hypotension, slow heartbeat and difficulty breathing.

Why is my lemon balm turning purple?

When you notice a plant with purple leaves rather than the normal green color, it is most likely due to a phosphorus deficiency. All plants need phosphorus (P) in order to create energy, sugars, and nucleic acids. If the soil is cool early in the growing season, a phosphorus deficiency may develop in some plants.

Is lemon balm Evergreen?

Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, is a robust herbaceous perennial grown for its aromatic foliage, which can be used in desserts and to make a revitalising herbal tea.