The Roman scholar Pliny and the Greek physician Dioscorides both used lemon balm as a medicinal herb. In the 1600s, it was called 'hearts delight' by the Swiss physician Paracelsus. The American colonists used lemon balm, and it was noted in recipes from old Williamsburg. Also, Thomas Jefferson grew it in his garden at Monticello.
Description
This upright plant has hairy, square, branched stems. The somewhat hairy, lemon-scented leaves are opposite, ovate, toothed, and 1 to 3 inches long. The white, pale yellow, or rose flowers are about 1/2 inch long and two-lipped on axillary clusters. The fruit is a smooth nutlet.
Plant type and hardiness
Perennial; hardiness zones 4 to 5.
Height and width
Height 24 to 36 inches; width 24 nches.
Light and soil
Full sun, preferably with midday shade; moist, rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 7.
Pests and disease
Powdery mildew.
Cultivation
Start lemon balm from seeds, but do not cover the seeds with soil. Make sure the planting
medium does not dry out while the seeds are germinating. Plants may be scrawny the first year.
Propagation method
Seeds or division in spring and cuttings in spring or summer.
Bloom time and color
July to September; white, pale yellow, or rose.
Harvesting
Harvest before the plant flowers. Cut the entire plant about 2 inches above ground. Dry quickly
or the leaves will turn black. Place on a wire rack to dry. Store in an airtight container.
Herbal uses
Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, and medicinal. The dried leaves scent potpourris. Lemon balm
is used in a facial steam to clean the skin. It also is used in teas, beers, and wine and with
fish, mushrooms, and soft cheeses. Fresh leaves are used in salads, marinades for
vegetables, chicken salad, and poultry stuffings. It can be grown in containers. Lemon balm is
said to have some medicinal qualities.
Insider's Secret
Try dried leaves in sachets or potpourri. Hardy and easily-grown in herb gardens or pots. Fast-spreading, it has become naturalized in some areas as it sows itself. Shear back often to keep it neat. The flowers of this wide-spreading, bushy plant attract bees to the garden.
