When To Harvest 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 do you know when lemon balm is ready to pick?

lemon balm is ready to harvest once its leaves reach the desired size. Lemon balm is usually used fresh, as it loses a lot of its scent once it’s dried. Use snips to cut off portions of the lemon balm to use. Leaves can be harvested throughout the summer.

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.

Does lemon balm grow back every year?

Get to Know Lemon Balm. Type of plant: Lemon balm is a herbaceous upright perennial. Growing season: Lemon balm grows best in cool weather. In freezing temperatures, it will die back to the ground then regrow from the roots in spring.

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.

How often should you water lemon balm?

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.

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.

How do you harvest dried lemon balm?

Gently rinse your lemon or lime balm in a bowl with running water. Remove any blemished leaves. Dry the leaves by gently laying them on a clean towel to remove any surface moisture. Water droplets will cause the leaves to turn dark brown or black when hung to dry, so try to remove as much moisture as you can.

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.

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 keep lemon balm leaves fresh?

Storage Tips: Fresh Lemon Balm leaves should be washed and dried, then stored in a clear plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Lemon Balm can also be stored in an infused oil. To prepare, wash and thoroughly dry the leaves then place them in a clean, sterilized glass jar.

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.

Can I 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 lemon balm take a frost?

Frost tolerant A cold-hardy perennial, lemon balm can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C).

How do you 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.

What parts of lemon balm is edible?

The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after. Lemon balm has a long history of a wide array herbal medicine uses, in particular for soothing, calming and raising the spirit – just one smell of the crushed leaves does all of these for me.

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.

What can I do with dried lemon balm leaves?

12+ Things to Do With Lemon Balm: Make a sleepy time herbal syrup: Make a lip balm for cold sores: Make a relaxing, tummy soothing tea: Make a simple remedy for bug bites & acne: Make a ginger & lemon balm cold syrup: Make a lemon balm vinegar: Make lemon balm & honey butter:.

Why are my lemon balm leaves turning yellow?

Lemon balm is by far one of the easiest herbs to grow – and a great Southern herb. Planting lemon balm in high shade is a must, as the leaves turn yellow green in full sun. If lemon balm experiences stress from extreme temperatures or dryness, cut it back to the ground and it will quickly and easily recover.

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.

Why is my lemon balm plant leaves turning yellow?

Tip. 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. Tender, young leaves are most vulnerable, because they are farthest from the plant’s main waterways.