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Lemon Balm — Herbs | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Lemon Balm
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

70days to harvest

10-14days to germinate

Z3–7USDA zones

Very easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow in spring after last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks early. Can also propagate by division or cuttings.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 1-2 inches per week, prefers consistent moisture
Soil: Adaptable to most soils, prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 2-3 feet
Season: Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Bright to medium green
Size: 2-3 inch heart-shaped leaves
Shape: Heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges and prominent veining
Flavour: Strong lemon scent and flavor with minty undertones, refreshing and citrusy

In the kitchen

Herbal tea, fruit salads, desserts, fish dishes, aromatherapy, potpourri, insect repellent

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, generally pest resistant due to strong scent
Diseases: Powdery mildew, root rot in waterlogged soil
Resistance: Generally disease resistant, can suffer from powdery mildew in humid conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesLemon balm repels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms that commonly attack tomatoes

CabbageDeters cabbage moths, flea beetles, and other brassica pests

BroccoliRepels cabbage worms and attracts beneficial insects that prey on brassica pests

SquashHelps repel squash bugs and cucumber beetles while attracting pollinators

RosesDeters aphids and Japanese beetles, while attracting beneficial predatory insects

CarrotsRepels carrot flies and other root vegetable pests

LettuceProvides natural pest control against aphids and leaf miners

BeansAttracts beneficial insects and may help deter bean beetles

Avoid

MintBoth are aggressive spreaders that compete for space and resources

BasilCan be inhibited by lemon balm's strong allelopathic compounds

ParsleyGrowth may be stunted due to lemon balm's competitive nature and chemical secretions

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 22
Protein (g): 0.35
Fat (g): 0.24
Carbohydrate (g): 6.9
Fibre (g): 0.3
Sugars (g): 2.52
Vitamin A (µg): 0
Vitamin C (mg): 38.7
Vitamin E (mg): 0.15
Vitamin K (µg): 0
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.046
Folate (µg): 20
Calcium (mg): 6
Iron (mg): 0.08
Magnesium (mg): 6
Phosphorus (mg): 8
Potassium (mg): 103
Zinc (mg): 0.05
Selenium (µg): 0.1

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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Lemon Balm

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Lemon Balm?

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