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Lemon Balm Plant Care
Melissa officinalis L.
Lemon balm is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family. It has lemon-scented leaves, white or pale pink flowers, and contains essential oils and compounds like geranial and neral.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
What Is the Lemon Balm?
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Melissa genus. Lemon Balm is native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and Iran, is. Lemon Balm is also known as Sweet Melissa, Bee Balm, Blue Balm.
Lemon Balm displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Lemon Balm produces small, fragrant white or pink flowers in terminal spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 2.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lemon Balm?
Melissa officinalis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lemon Balm Need?
Lemon Balm thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Lemon Balm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lemon Balm Prefer?
Melissa officinalis grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Lemon Balm prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lemon Balm?
Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Lemon Balm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Lemon Balm?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Lemon Balm?
Lemon Balm can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Lemon Balm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lemon Balm?
Lemon Balm is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lemon Balm Need?
Lemon Balm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 9b. Native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and Iran, is, Lemon Balm is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Lemon Balm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Lemon Balm is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Melissa genus — compare its care with other Melissa species on PlantoScan.
Lemon Balm tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
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