How to Grow Lemon Balm

Start Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Lemon Balm typically matures in about 70 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Lemon Balm should be started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Lemon Balm requires partial shade to full sun to thrive.

Space Lemon Balm plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Lemon Balm has regular (keep moist) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Lemon Balm is rated easy. Harvest seed heads when most have turned brown — they shatter quickly so check often. Shake dried stems into a container; tiny seeds fall freely from dried calyxes.

Properly dried and stored Lemon Balm seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Yes — Lemon Balm is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.