Overview of Lemon Balm
The International Herb Association designated lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) Herb of the Year in 2007. This hardy (zones 3a to 9b) perennial in the mint family is native to mountainous areas of southern Europe and northern Africa but has naturalized in almost in every warm or temperate area around the globe. The bright green, crinkled leaves have a fragrant lemony odor. It is not related to bee balm (Monarda spp.), with which it is sometimes confused.
The plants grow about two feet tall, with branching stems. The oval or heart-shaped, slightly toothed leaves are held tightly in pairs at each stem joint.
The inconspicuous white flowers, sometimes with a yellowish or pinkish tinge, bloom in the leaf axils throughout the summer and are attractive to bees. Because lemon balm is rich in nectar, it is sometimes planted to feed bees.
Landscape Uses of Lemon Balm
Grow lemon balm in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Plants grow quickly to form large clumps. Plants may reseed somewhat aggressively in some sites, so deadheading after flowering is recommended to prevent nuisance seedlings. Cutting back hard after flowering will produce a fresh flush of leaves.
This species has few insect or disease problems (occasionally it will get powdery mildew) and is rarely, if ever, eaten by deer or rabbits.
To harvest, cut several inches of top growth off the plants at flowering during the first year. On established plants, two or three cuttings may be made in a season. The leaves may be used fresh or dried, although the dried leaves lose much of their aroma. Spread the cut stems on screens in a dark, airy room to dry. Once dry, the leaves can be easily removed from the stems and stored in closed containers.
Propagating Lemon Balm
Lemon balm can be started from seed sown indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost, although seeds may be somewhat slow to germinate. Transplanting seedlings into the garden when they are 2 to 3 inches tall. Space the plants 16 to 18 inches apart. You can also sow outdoors in fall or late spring.
Lemon balm can also be propagated by dividing old clumps in spring or early fall or from cuttings. Divide or replace plants after 3 to 4 seasons, as they generally decline by this time. It may be grown as an annual in areas where it does not survive the winter.
Cultivars of Lemon Balm
A few cultivars are available.
- ‘All Gold’ is a selection with yellow leaves that develops the best color in partial shade. This variety is sometimes listed as ‘Gold Leaf’.
- ‘Lemona’ is a seed propagated variety developed for commercial leaf and esssential oil production.
- ‘Lime’ has a distinct lime aroma instead of lemon. It is vegetatively propagated and grows 1 to 2 feet tall.
- ‘Quedlinburger Niederliegende’ is a seed propagated variety found in the town of Quedlinburg, Germany. Niederliegende is the german word for “procumbent”, and this variety is low growing in its first year, then becomes more upright in habit.
- ‘Variegata’ is a vegetative variety with dark green leaves with golden yellow markings along the margins, but this fades with the heat of summer and when the plant flowers.
Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin—Madison
Reviewers: Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, Allen R. Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW—Madison Extension
Revised: May 2026n
