Mint
Mentha spp.
herbMint is a vigorous, aromatic herb used in cooking, teas, and cocktails. It spreads rapidly via underground runners and is best grown in containers to prevent it taking over the garden.
Full care guide →
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
herbA vigorous, aromatic perennial herb from the mint family with soft, wrinkled, lemon-scented green leaves. Widely cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes, it self-seeds readily and can become invasive if not managed. The plant produces small white, pink, or pale purple flowers in summer that attract bees and other pollinators.
Full care guide →Care aspect
Mint
Lemon Balm
light_modeLight
Full sun to partial shade.
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of sun daily); tolerates shade but grows more vigorously in sunlight.
water_dropWater
Regularly; keep soil consistently moist.
Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining; water regularly, especially during dry spells. Tolerates some drought once established.
compostSoil
Rich, moist soil. Tolerates most soil types.
Average to fertile soil with good drainage; pH 6.0–7.5. Not fussy about soil type but prefers moisture-retentive conditions.
scienceFertiliser
Monthly liquid feed during growing season.
Minimal fertilizer needed; apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring or add compost annually for vigorous growth.
thermometerTemperature
7–25°C. Frost-hardy but dies back in winter.
Tolerates a wide range (50–80°F / 10–27°C); hardy perennial that survives cold winters but may die back in harsh conditions.
humidity_percentageHumidity
Moderate to high.
Prefers moderate humidity (40–60%) but adapts to various levels; tolerates both dry and moist air.
Toxicity
Audience
Mint
Lemon Balm
cats
warningToxic
check_circleSafe
dogs
check_circleSafe
check_circleSafe
children
check_circleSafe
check_circleSafe
Mint — USDA Zones
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Lemon Balm — USDA Zones
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