Lemon Balm in Zone 7B — Texas

Lemon Balm is a fantastic herb to grow here in Texas. It's got a wonderful lemony flavor that's great in teas, salads, and even desserts. Plus, it's super easy to grow, and you can harvest it for months, making the most of our long growing season.

Of course, gardening in Texas comes with its own set of challenges, like the unpredictable weather and extreme heat. But don't worry, with a little planning, you can definitely grow Lemon Balm successfully and enjoy its fresh flavor throughout our 255-day growing season.

Starting Lemon Balm indoors isn't essential, but it can give you a head start, especially if you want to harvest early. Sow seeds indoors from mid January through early February, about six weeks before you plan to transplant.

Use seed trays filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist by bottom watering, which helps prevent damping-off. Place the trays in a warm spot (around 70°F) and provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Our early spring warmth can be deceiving, so starting indoors gives you more control.

Transplant your Lemon Balm seedlings outdoors from early March through early April. Before you do, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and space the plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those late freezes can still sneak up on you in early spring. If a freeze is predicted, cover your young plants with a frost blanket.

Direct sowing Lemon Balm is a simple and effective method, especially if you're not in a rush for an early harvest. You can direct sow from early March through late August, giving you a wide window of opportunity.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the surface and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 18-24 inches apart. Direct sowing works well if you don't have the space or equipment for indoor starting.

Lemon Balm likes moderate watering, which can be a bit of a balancing act here in Texas. During the hottest part of the summer, you'll likely need to water more frequently.

A good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture about two inches down – 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 avoid wetting the leaves, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases in our variable humidity.

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 suppress weeds, which is especially helpful during our hot, dry spells. Remember, even though it's not particularly drought-tolerant, Lemon Balm tolerates more moisture than many other herbs.

Lemon Balm is pretty low-maintenance when it comes to pruning. The main thing is to keep it from getting too leggy and prevent it from taking over your garden.

In midsummer, when the plant is at its peak, cut it back by about half to encourage new growth. Remove any flower stalks as soon as you see them to prevent the plant from self-seeding aggressively. As the first frost approaches around mid- November, you can give the plant a final trim to tidy it up for the winter.

You can start harvesting Lemon Balm leaves as soon as the plant is big enough, usually around mid May, about 70 days after planting. The best flavor comes from the leaves before the plant flowers, so harvest frequently.

To harvest, simply snip off the top few inches of the stems. This encourages the plant to produce more leaves. Lemon Balm is best used fresh, as it loses its flavor when dried. As the end of the season approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining leaves before the first frost hits.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Lemon Balm in Texas:

Aggressive Spreading

• What it looks like: Lemon Balm popping up in unwanted areas of your garden, spreading beyond its intended space.
• What causes it: Lemon Balm readily self-seeds, and its roots can also spread aggressively.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove flower stalks before they go to seed. Plant Lemon Balm in a container to restrict its roots. Be vigilant about pulling up unwanted seedlings.

Bolting

• What it looks like: The plant sends up a flower stalk prematurely. Leaves become bitter or tough.
• What causes it: Triggered by heat, long days, or drought stress.
• How to fix/prevent it: Plant in partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the summer. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest frequently to encourage leaf production.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves, stems, and sometimes fruit. Leaves curl, yellow, and die.
• What causes it: Various 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. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can exacerbate these problems. Consistent watering and providing afternoon shade can help prevent bolting and powdery mildew. Be extra diligent about containing Lemon Balm to prevent it from taking over your garden. And watch out for those fire ants!

Lemon Balm is a great companion plant for several vegetables in the Texas garden. It repels some pests and attracts beneficial insects.

Good companions include tomatoes, squash, broccoli, and cauliflower. Lemon Balm helps repel tomato hornworms and squash bugs. It also attracts pollinators to help with fruit set in squash and broccoli. Avoid planting Lemon Balm near other herbs, as its aggressive growth can crowd them out.