Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

herb

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

A 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.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Lemon Balm is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Leggy Growthchevron_right

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Wiltingchevron_right

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Slow Growthchevron_right

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Yellow Leaveschevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of sun daily); tolerates shade but grows more vigorously in sunlight.

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Water

Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining; water regularly, especially during dry spells. Tolerates some drought once established.

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Soil

Average to fertile soil with good drainage; pH 6.0–7.5. Not fussy about soil type but prefers moisture-retentive conditions.

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Fertiliser

Minimal fertilizer needed; apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring or add compost annually for vigorous growth.

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Temperature

Tolerates a wide range (50–80°F / 10–27°C); hardy perennial that survives cold winters but may die back in harsh conditions.

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Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity (40–60%) but adapts to various levels; tolerates both dry and moist air.

Toxicity

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Non-toxic; commonly used as a culinary and medicinal herb for humans.

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Lemon Balm spreading everywhere?

It's a vigorous mint-family herb that self-seeds readily and can become invasive if not managed — consider growing it in a container or dividing it regularly to keep it in check.

Does Lemon Balm need special care compared to mint?

Not really — like its mint-family relatives it wants moisture-retentive, well-draining soil and tolerates some drought once established, adapting to a wide range of humidity levels.