Lemon Balm in Zone 6B — Great Plains

Lemon Balm is a fantastic addition to any Great Plains garden. Its lemony scent and flavor are wonderful in teas, salads, and even desserts. Plus, it's incredibly satisfying to grow your own herbs, especially when the intense Plains sunshine helps them thrive.

Our extreme weather can be a challenge, but with a little planning, Lemon Balm is easy to manage. Our 198-day growing season gives you plenty of time to enjoy its fresh flavor. Timing is key to success in the Plains!

Starting Lemon Balm indoors is an option, especially if you want a head start. Start seeds indoors from mid-February through mid-March, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm spot with plenty of light – a sunny south-facing window or grow lights work well.

Remember to water from the bottom to avoid damping off. Spring in the Plains can be variable, so starting indoors gives you more control over the early stages of growth.

Transplant your Lemon Balm seedlings outdoors from early April through early May, once the danger of hard frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Plains' wind and temperature swings.

Space them about 18-24 inches apart to allow for their bushy growth habit. Keep an eye on the weather forecast around transplant time; a late cold snap is always a possibility.

Direct sowing Lemon Balm is a simple and effective method. Sow seeds directly into the garden from early April through early August. Choose a spot with well-drained soil and prepare the bed by loosening the soil and removing any weeds.

Lemon Balm seeds need warm soil to germinate, so waiting until the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F is best. Space seeds about 18-24 inches apart, or thin seedlings to that spacing once they emerge. Direct sowing is a bit more hands-off, but you're also more at the mercy of the weather.

Lemon Balm needs moderate watering to thrive here on the Plains. While it's not very drought-tolerant, it also doesn't like to be waterlogged. During the heat of summer, especially when we're experiencing one of our drier spells, check the soil moisture regularly. Stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, which helps prevent fungal diseases in our moderate humidity. During cooler spring and fall weather, you can reduce watering frequency.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful with our extreme temperature swings.

Pruning Lemon Balm is pretty straightforward. The main goal is to keep it from getting too leggy and to prevent it from taking over your garden. In midsummer, cut the plant back by about half to encourage bushier growth.

Regularly remove any flower stalks that appear to prevent self-seeding, as Lemon Balm can be quite aggressive. At the end of the season, around late October when we start to see our first frosts, you can cut the plant back to the ground. It will regrow in the spring.

You can start harvesting Lemon Balm leaves about 70 days after planting, typically from mid-June through early November here in the Plains. The best flavor comes from leaves harvested before the plant flowers. Look for healthy, vibrant green leaves as your cue to harvest.

To harvest, simply snip off the stems with scissors or pruning shears, taking care not to damage the main plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so don't be shy about using it! As the first frost approaches in late October, harvest any remaining leaves to dry or freeze for later use.

Lemon Balm is generally easy to grow, but here are a few common problems you might encounter in the Great Plains:

Aggressive Spreading

• What it looks like: Lemon Balm popping up in unwanted areas of your garden.
• What causes it: Self-seeding and spreading through underground rhizomes. It thrives in our prairie soil!
• How to fix/prevent it: Plant in a container to restrict its growth. Regularly remove flower stalks before they go to seed. Dig up and remove unwanted plants as they appear.

Bolting

• What it looks like: The plant sends up a flower stalk prematurely, and the leaves become bitter or tough.
• What causes it: Triggered by heat or drought stress, both common occurrences in the Plains.
• How to fix/prevent it: Provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. Keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest regularly to encourage leaf production.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves and stems.
• What causes it: Fungi that thrive in warm days, cool nights, and moderate humidity.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning. Remove affected leaves. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers and variable rainfall can stress Lemon Balm, making it more susceptible to bolting and powdery mildew. Consistent watering and some afternoon shade can help mitigate these issues. The wind can also be tough on young plants, so provide some protection, especially early in the season.

Lemon Balm makes a good companion plant for several vegetables in a Great Plains garden. Planting it near tomatoes can help repel pests like whiteflies and tomato hornworms. It also benefits squash by attracting pollinators. Broccoli and cauliflower also benefit from Lemon Balm's pest-repelling properties, reducing the need for chemical controls.

Avoid planting Lemon Balm near plants that require very dry soil, as its moderate watering needs may create an environment that's too moist for them.