How to grow Lemon Balm in Australia
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a hardy, lemon-scented perennial herb in the mint family, used fresh in salads, desserts and tea. It grows easily in sun or part shade in most soils, and its small white summer flowers are rich in nectar for bees. It spreads and self-seeds freely, so one or two plants, or a pot, is usually plenty.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Lemon Balm in Australia
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to October | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to October | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to October | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to October | |
| Adelaide & SA | March to October | |
| Perth & WA | March to October | |
| Tasmania | March and April, September to November | Sow Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr. Hardy perennial, very easy here. |
| Canberra & ACT | March and April, September to November | Sow Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr. Hardy perennial that dies back in winter and returns; keep it in a pot if you do not want it everywhere. |
| North Queensland | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Lemon balm melts in wet season heat, so grow it as a cool month annual in part shade. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Lemon balm melts in wet season heat, so grow it as a cool month annual in part shade. |
Not to be confused with: Lemon Verbena, a woody shrub with a stronger lemon scent, and Lemongrass, a tropical grass.
Where to plant
Lemon balm is fully hardy, easy to grow, and happy in sun or partial shade in a range of soils. It grows best with steady moisture; in hot, dry areas give it afternoon shade, and golden-leaved forms are best in light shade, as strong sun scorches them.
It is a vigorous plant that spreads and self-seeds, and it can take time to remove completely. Grow it in a container, or in a spot where spreading does not matter, and cut it back after flowering before it seeds.
- South East Queensland, the Northern Rivers, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth: sow or plant from March to October.
- Canberra and Hobart: sow or plant from September to November or in March and April. It dies back in winter and returns in spring.
- North Queensland and Darwin: grow it as a cool-month annual in part shade, sown from May to August, as it melts in wet season heat.
How to plant
- Sow a few seeds in a pot or tray of seed raising mix, covering them with only a very thin layer, as they need light. Keep warm and moist; seedlings can take up to three weeks to appear.
- Or buy a small plant, or ask a friend for a division, which is quicker.
- Plant out about 30 cm apart, or into a pot, and water in.
- One or two plants are enough for most households.
Watering and feeding
Water young plants and potted plants regularly to keep the mix evenly moist. Established plants in the ground need watering only in dry spells, to keep the leaves fresh and fragrant.
Lemon balm needs little feeding. A little compost in spring is enough; rich feeding gives soft growth with less scent.
Pruning and care through the year
- Cut the whole plant down to just above the base straight after flowering, before it sets seed. It soon sends up a fresh flush of tender leaves.
- In cold areas it dies back in autumn; cut away the old stems and it regrows in spring.
- Divide clumps every few years to keep them from getting too large and untidy.
- Pull self-sown seedlings while small if you do not want more plants.
Harvesting
Pick young leaves whenever you need them through spring and summer; the plant regrows quickly. Young leaves have the most flavour, so use them as fresh as possible.
Leaves can be dried for winter tea, though the flavour is much milder than fresh.
Growing in pots
A pot at least 20 cm wide is the easiest way to keep lemon balm from spreading. Use a quality potting mix, keep it evenly moist, and cut it back after flowering so it does not drop seed into the garden.
Using it
Add fresh leaves to salads, chicken and fish, fruit salads and desserts, or steep them in hot water for a refreshing lemon tea.
Propagation and saving seed
Lemon balm is easy to divide. Dig up an established clump in spring or autumn and split it into pieces with roots and shoots, then replant. Self-sown seedlings of named varieties may not look like the parent.
Varieties
- Common Lemon Balm
- Aurea (Golden)
Companion planting
Lemon balm's nectar-rich flowers bring bees and other insects into the garden, which makes it a useful edging plant, as long as it is kept in check.
Good companions
- Tomato Its flowers draw bees and beneficial insects to the summer vegetable bed. Keep it in a pot beside the bed so it does not spread.
- Brassicas A low herb for the edge of the cabbage bed whose flowers bring in beneficial insects.
- Fruit trees It grows well in the light shade at the edge of a fruit tree's canopy, and its flowers help draw bees at blossom time.
Pests and diseases
Lemon balm is generally trouble free. Its main fault is being too vigorous.
Lemon Balm is rarely troubled by pests.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White, powdery patches on the leaves in late summer, worse in dry soil or crowded clumps. Cut the plant back and it regrows clean.
Common questions
Is lemon balm invasive?
It is vigorous in the garden. It spreads and self-seeds freely and can take time to remove. Grow it in a pot, and cut it back after flowering before it sets seed.
Should I cut back lemon balm?
Yes. Straight after flowering, cut the whole plant down to just above the base. It sends up fresh, tender leaves and does not self-seed.
Does lemon balm come back every year?
Yes, it is a hardy perennial. In cold areas it dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
Can lemon balm grow in shade?
Yes, it is happy in part shade, and in hot areas afternoon shade is better than full sun. Golden-leaved forms do best in light shade.
How do I use lemon balm?
Use fresh young leaves in salads, with chicken and fish, in fruit salads and desserts, or steep them for tea. Dried leaves make a milder tea.
What is the difference between lemon balm and lemon verbena?
Lemon balm is a soft, spreading perennial herb in the mint family. Lemon verbena is a woody shrub with narrow leaves and a stronger lemon scent.
Sources we checked: RHS: Lemon balm, grow your own.