Growing Lemon Balm

Melissa, Lemon balm
I choose to introduce lemon balm first in my blogs because it is a wild edible in the Pacific Northwest. Also she has long been known as an important medicinal herb, it's delicate lemon flavors enhance most any dish, and it is a good potpourri green.

Lemon balm grows well in the sun but prefers shade. It is a fantastic potted companion on your porch. Lemon balm can contain as high as 24% citronella oil. Misquotes don't like the smell. I like to rub her leaves on my exposed arms and legs and put a wreath of lemon balm on my head or at least a piece behind my ear.

I consider Lemon Balm to be a very dear friend. I often refer to it as her. I find her delicate fragrance, and nurturing supportive effects comforting like a loving motherly companion.
I have grown lemon balm all over the United States. Most nurseries will have some usually in the mint section.
Growing lemon balm requires a  rest in the cold winter ground. She drops her leaves and dies back to stems. So she is not a good house plant in the winter but if you keep her watered and in good ventilation she is a nice house guest for a while.

 During the growing season I often cut mine down to the ground a couple of times. The flavor of leaves is generally thought to be the best just before flowering. I cut them to the ground and dry the leaves for later.
She likes moist and shade and she puts up all fresh leaves and is soon preparing to flower in early summer. Melissa, Lemon Balm's formal name means Bees and they adore her flowers. I let the bees have their fill of the flowers the rest of the summer and welcome the seedlings I am guaranteed next spring.
Lemon Balm can be divided in the winter or seeded in the spring. It is a very giving plant. It gives and gives and gives. I love to give either as a porch plant or for those unable to grow most herbs because they have a lot of shade.
If you want the most detailed information on growing herbs check out my friend and college Professor Arthur Tucker's book The Big Book of Herbs
Art and Tom Debaggio have put together years of science and experience to produce this "Comprehensive Illustrated Reference to Herbs of Flavor and Fragrance".

Sun tea is the easiest, cleanest tasting way to become familiar with Lemon Balm. Cup of tea anyone!

Whether used for food, medicine or wild edible Lemon Balm is a great friend to gather!