What Is the Lemon Balm Plant?

Description

• Although the lemon balm plant does not bear particularly striking foliage, the bushy branches emit a delightfully intense, lemony aroma that fills the entire garden with the fresh, clean scent of citrus. The sturdy, square stems bear bunches of bright green leaves with serrated edges and burst into bloom each summer, producing clusters of tiny, white flowers. Lemon balm performs well when planted in containers or perennial beds.

Cultivation

• Sow lemon balm seeds in a sunny, well-drained site. Scatter the seeds evenly over the soil, then sprinkle them with water. Do not cover the seeds with additional soil as this may inhibit germination. Check the soil at the planting site several times a day, adding water as often as necessary to keep the soil damp, until the seeds sprout and take root. When the seedlings reach 4 inches high, thin the plants. Gently pull all but the strongest, most robust sprouts from the soil, leaving 6 to 8 inches of space between seedlings. Water the young plants weekly throughout the summer to promote the development of healthy leaves and roots.

Harvesting

• Fresh leaves can be plucked from the lemon balm plant at any time. Gathering leaves regularly encourages branch development and results in a plant that bears compact, densely leafed foliage. Though it is less aggressive than most members of the mint family, lemon balm must be cut back in midsummer to prevent unwanted spreading. Harvest the entire plant by cutting the stems off 2 inches from the ground. New shoots will emerge in a matter of weeks.

Uses

• Add fresh leaves to casseroles, soups and salads to give everyday dishes a sharp, lemony bite. Mix sprigs of lemon balm into bowls of potpourri to fill every room in the house with a bright, summery scent. To preserve an abundant harvest, spread the lemon balm leaves evenly over a screen and put it in a sunny spot; once the foliage is dry and brittle, gather the leaves and store them in plastic bags. Toss two or three dry leaves into a mug of hot water and let them steep for five minutes to brew a mug of refreshing herbal tea. Lemon balm tea is said to relieve headaches, reduce stress, alleviate fatigue and soothe the nerves.