How to grow Lemon Balm in Australia
An easy-going herb for full sun to part shade in most soils, happiest with steady moisture. Water in dry spells to keep leaves fresh and fragrant, and cut it back hard after flowering to encourage a flush of new growth.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 60 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
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. |
Varieties
- Common Lemon Balm
- Aurea (Golden)
Companion planting
Good companions
- Tomato
- Brassicas
- Fruit trees
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Snip sprigs once the plant is bushy, ideally before it flowers for best flavour. Cut whole stems above a leaf pair, and it bounces back for repeat harvests.
Storage
Fridge in a damp cloth for 3 to 4 days. Dry leaves store for months.