Lemon balm
A hardy perennial herb with lemon-scented leaves for teas and salads.
Lemon balm seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March–May in modules or from divisions
Plant out
Cut stems before flowering for the freshest leaves; contain self-seeding.
Harvest
May–October
Conditions
Sun
Partial shade to full sun, tolerates varied conditions
Water
Keep consistently moist; mint prefers damp conditions but not waterlogged soil
Soil
Moist, rich, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
30-45cm (12-18 inches) apart, or contained in pots
Containers
Highly recommended for containers (20cm+ diameter) to control spread
Indoors
Excellent indoors on a bright windowsill, can be harvested year-round
Care and harvest
Feeding
Minimal feeding needed; a balanced liquid feed every 4-6 weeks if in pots
Pruning
Pinch back regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering; cut back hard in autumn
Harvesting
Cut stems before flowering for the freshest leaves; contain self-seeding.
Storage
Keep stems in water in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze chopped in ice cube trays
Good companions: Tomatoes, Cabbage, Peas