How To Transplant Lemon Balm

How to Transplant Lemon Balm Prepare a spot to plant the lemon balm, in either full sunlight or partial shade. Spade the soil to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches. Remove the lemon balm plant from the ground by digging it up with a garden fork, which causes less damage to the roots than a spade or shovel.

When can I transplant 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.

How do you split lemon balm?

Cut the old stems back hard, then use a spade to lift the whole clump with a large root ball onto a bare patch on the border. Divide the fibrous root balls cleanly into smaller pieces by placing two forks back to back into the clump, then pulling apart. Prepare the new planting area.

Will lemon balm grow 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).

Does lemon balm plant spread?

While mint can spread rapidly by underground stems, lemon balm spreads by setting lots of seed and can, if allowed to go unchecked start to overtake the garden. To prevent spreading, prune flowering stalks before they have a chance to set seed.

Can lemon balm grow in shade?

Many herbs do well in the sun, but lemon balm needs shade. Especially in areas in which the summer sun is hot, this plant grows best with some shade in the afternoon or in a spot where there are tall trees to lessen the intensity of the sun.

Can lemon balm be grown indoors?

A hardy perennial shrub that is tolerant to USDA zones 3 through 7, lemon balm can be grown year-round indoors, as well as outdoors in warmer climates.

Should I let lemon balm flower?

The lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) is actually a member of the mint family and is a perennial herb. It grows as a bushy, leafy herb with a pleasant lemon smell and small white flowers. Removing the flowers of the plant as soon as they appear will make your lemon balm far less invasive.

Can you propagate lemon balm in water?

Herbs You Can Root in Water Rooting in water works especially well for soft-stemmed herbs such as basil, mint, lemon balm, oregano, and stevia. For woody herbs like rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme, take cuttings from new, green growth; older brown stems do not sprout roots easily.

How wide does lemon balm get?

Hardiness: Lemon balm is cold hardy to -20°F; it only moderately tolerates heat. Plant form and size: Lemon balm grows to 12 to 24 inches tall and wide; it grows in clumps of branched stems with loose terminal clusters of small white to creamy yellow flowers at the top.

How deep do lemon balm roots grow?

To grow lemon balm in a container, plant seeds or transplants in a pot that is at least eight inches deep and 15 to 18-inches wide. Place the pot in a location that receives at least 5 hours of direct sunlight a day.

How do you propagate bee balm?

Bee Balm Cuttings Take cuttings of new bee balm growth from the tips of the stems in late spring. Cut tips no more than 6 inches (15 cm.) in length just below a set of leaves. Remove the lower set of leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone.

How do you start lemon balm?

Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost, and transplant out or direct sow once day time temperatures are steadily above 10°C (50°F). Barely cover the tiny seeds. Use a sterilized potting soil, and keep watering to an absolute minimum – just enough to keep the medium from drying out. Germination takes 10-14 days.

Can you eat lemon balm?

When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.

Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?

Lemon Balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.

Does lemon balm need a lot of water?

Water. Water deeply enough to saturate the roots, and then allow the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering again, as soggy soil may cause the plant to rot. Lemon balm in containers may require water every day, especially during hot, dry weather.

Is lemon balm invasive?

Like Verbena, Lemon balm also has a reputation, this time for being invasive, and it’s often bracketed with mint on that score. However, it spreads by seed, not runner, so cut the flower heads off before they seed to reduce your weeding.

Is lemon balm good for high blood pressure?

Lemon balm may lower your blood pressure and therefore should be used with caution if you are taking medications with similar properties. It can also lower your blood sugar levels and people with diabetes should use lemon balm with care.

Is lemon balm toxic to 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 I save my lemon balm plant?

To store your lemon or lime balm, keep the leaves and stems in big pieces to retain as much flavor as possible. Store your herbs in paper bags or glass jars (avoid plastic bags as they may lead to condensation). Only when you’re ready to use your herbs should you crumble them up to release their essence.

Why is my lemon balm dying?

Lemon balm leaves turn brown when the plant can’t take up enough water to keep the leaves hydrated. The thirsty tissues become scorched from lack of moisture. Lack of moisture in leaves can be due to under-watering, but intense sun and temperature extremes, both hot and cold, can cause it, too.