Where Can I Buy Lemon Balm Plant? The Ultimate Guide

Lemon balm is a popular herb with a refreshing lemony scent and flavor. It is a member of the mint family and is known for its calming and soothing effects. Many people enjoy growing lemon balm in their gardens to use in teas, salads, and other dishes. However, not everyone knows where to buy lemon balm plants.

Fortunately, there are several options to buy lemon balm plants. Local nurseries and garden centers often carry a variety of herbs, including lemon balm.

Online retailers such as Amazon and The Growers Exchange also offer lemon balm plants for sale. Additionally, some grocery stores and health food stores may carry potted lemon balm plants in their produce sections.

Key Takeaways:

• Lemon balm is a popular herb known for its calming and soothing effects.
• Lemon balm plants can be purchased at local nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers such as Amazon and The Growers Exchange.
• Some grocery stores and health food stores may also carry potted lemon balm plants in their produce sections.

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Understanding Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. It is a popular aromatic herb that is known for its lemon flavor and scent. The herb is native to Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, but it is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world.

The lemon balm plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall and has a bushy appearance. It has green leaves with a heart-shaped base and a serrated edge. The leaves are highly fragrant and emit a lemon scent when crushed. The plant produces small white or yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.

Lemon balm has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have a calming effect on the body and can be used to treat anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is also used to treat digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and nausea.

In addition to its medicinal properties, lemon balm is also used in cooking and baking. The leaves can be used to flavor salads, soups, sauces, and desserts. It is also used to make tea, which is a popular way to consume the herb..

Where to Buy Lemon Balm Plants

Lemon balm is a popular herb that is known for its refreshing lemon scent and mild taste. If you’re looking to buy lemon balm plants, there are several options available to you. In this section, we’ll discuss where you can find lemon balm plants for sale.

Home Depot

Home Depot is a popular home improvement store that also sells plants and gardening supplies. They offer a 19 oz. Lemon Balm Herb Plant (2-Pack) for $13.01. This package includes two plants, each of which grows between 24 and 36 inches tall.

The plants are best for planting in the spring, right after the last frost. However, at the time of writing, this item is out of stock, and you can sign up to receive an email notification when it is back in stock.

Lemon Balm Plants for Sale

There are several online retailers that sell lemon balm plants. One of the most popular options is Amazon. They offer Bonnie Plants Lemon Balm Live Herb Plants – 4 Pack, Perennial in Zones 5 to 9, for Lemon Flavor in a Variety of Dishes & Teas.

This pack includes four plants and costs $22.06. The plants are grown in a 4-inch container and are ready to be transplanted into your garden. You can also find lemon balm plants for sale at The Growers Exchange and Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Co.

Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

If you prefer to buy your plants in person, you can check your local nurseries and garden centers. They may have lemon balm plants for sale, especially during the spring and summer months. You can also ask the staff for advice on how to care for your lemon balm plant.

Ideal Conditions for Growing Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a hardy perennial shrub that grows best in mild climates. It is a member of the mint family and, like other mints, it grows quickly and abundantly in the right conditions. Here are some ideal conditions for growing lemon balm.

1. Soil

Lemon balm can grow in many types of soil, including clay soil, but it prefers well-drained loamy soil. The plant will also grow much faster and healthier if the soil is rich in organic matter. So, avoid using any soil that was used before to grow other plants. The pH of the soil should be between 5 and 7.

2. Sunlight

Lemon balm prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow well. If you are growing lemon balm indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can get plenty of sunlight.

3. Temperature

Lemon balm grows best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are growing lemon balm indoors, keep the temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Water

Lemon balm likes moist soil, but it does not like to be waterlogged. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

5. Potting Soil

If you are growing lemon balm in a container, use a high-quality potting soil that is well-drained. You can also add perlite or sand to the potting soil to improve drainage.

6. Sun Exposure

Lemon balm needs plenty of sun exposure to grow well. If you are growing lemon balm outdoors, choose a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. If you are growing lemon balm indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can get plenty of sunlight.

7. Climate

Lemon balm grows best in mild climates with plenty of sunshine and moderate temperatures. It is hardy to USDA zones 3 through 7, which means it can tolerate cold winters and hot summers.

Planting Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a herb that is easy to grow and care for. It can be planted in a garden, container, or even indoors. Here are some tips on how to plant lemon balm:

Planting Lemon Balm Seeds

Lemon balm seeds can be planted in the spring, right after the last frost. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil. Lemon balm seeds need light to germinate, so they should be lightly covered with soil or left uncovered. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.

Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, thin them out so that they are about 8 inches apart. When the plants are larger, thin them again so that they are about 18 inches apart. Lemon balm plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

Planting Lemon Balm Cuttings

Lemon balm can also be propagated from cuttings. Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from a healthy lemon balm plant and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting should root in a few weeks.

Planting Lemon Balm in a Container

Lemon balm can be grown in a container that is at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Fill the container with well-draining soil and plant the lemon balm seed or cutting about 1/4 inch deep. Water the soil until it is moist and place the container in a sunny location.

Hardiness Zones

Lemon balm is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. It can be grown outdoors in these zones and will die back in the winter. In colder zones, lemon balm can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.

Plant Divisions

Lemon balm can also be propagated by dividing an established plant. Divide the plant in the spring or fall by digging up the entire plant and separating it into smaller sections. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and water them until they are established.

Overall, planting lemon balm is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. Whether planting lemon balm seeds, cuttings, or divisions, it is important to use well-draining soil and keep the plants moist until they are established.

Caring for Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is an easy-to-grow herb that requires minimal care. Proper care will ensure that your lemon balm plant thrives and produces fragrant leaves that can be used in a variety of dishes and teas. Here are some tips for caring for your lemon balm plant:

1. Watering

Lemon balm requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. It prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out slightly between watering. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

2. Location

Lemon balm prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flavor. If you’re planting lemon balm in a pot, make sure it has enough room to grow and that the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

3. Fertilizer

Lemon balm doesn’t require much fertilizer, but a light feeding in the spring can help promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak growth and reduced flavor.

4. Pests and Diseases

Lemon balm is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew can also be a problem in humid conditions, but can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.

5. Pruning

Pruning lemon balm can help promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. Pinch back the tips of the stems regularly to encourage branching. You can also prune back the plant in the fall to promote new growth in the spring.

6. Watering Needs

Lemon balm requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. It prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out slightly between watering. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Harvesting and Using Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a versatile herb that can be used in many ways. It has a citrusy flavor and aroma that makes it a popular ingredient in teas, salads, desserts, and many dishes. It is also known for its calming and relaxing properties.

Harvesting

The best time to harvest lemon balm is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. The leaves are most flavorful just before the plant starts to flower, so it’s best to harvest them before that happens.

To harvest, simply cut the stems with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the leaves.

Using Fresh Lemon Balm

Fresh lemon balm can be used in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Add it to salads for a burst of flavor.
• Use it to flavor poultry dishes.
• Add it to desserts for a citrusy twist.
• Use it in cooking as a substitute for rosemary or thyme.
• Use the zest in recipes that call for lemon zest.

Drying Lemon Balm

Drying lemon balm is easy and a great way to preserve it for later use. Here are three easy methods:

1. Air drying: Gather 5-6 stems together and tie them up around the stem with a piece of string. To allow for good air circulation, do not tie too many stems together. Hang your bunches of lemon balm in a cool dry and dark spot in your house.
   
2. Oven drying: Spread the leaves out on a baking sheet and place them in the oven at the lowest temperature setting. Leave the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Check the leaves every 30 minutes until they are dry and crispy.
   
3. Dehydrator: Place the leaves on the dehydrator trays and set the temperature to 95°F. Leave them to dry for 2-4 hours or until they are crispy.

Using Dried Lemon Balm

Dried lemon balm can be used in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Make tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
• Use it in cooking as a substitute for rosemary or thyme.
• Add it to salads for a burst of flavor.
• Use it to flavor poultry dishes.
• Use it to make essential oils for aromatherapy.

Lemon balm is a versatile herb that can be used in many ways. Whether you use it fresh or dried, it’s a great addition to any kitchen.

Lemon Balm in the Garden

Lemon balm is a perennial herb that is easy to grow and maintain in the garden. It is a member of the mint family and is known for its mild-tasting, lemon-scented leaves. Lemon balm plants can grow between 24 and 36 inches tall and spread up to 24 inches.

When growing lemon balm, it is important to plant it in a location that receives partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Lemon balm can be grown in the ground or in containers, making it a versatile addition to any garden.

In the garden, lemon balm can be used as a companion plant for vegetables, as it attracts pollinators such as bees. It is also a herbaceous plant that can be harvested and used in the kitchen. The leaves of the lemon balm plant can be used to make tea, added to salads, or used to flavor meats and poultry.

Lemon balm plants produce white flowers in the summer, which can attract pollinators to the garden. However, it is important to note that lemon balm can be an invasive plant if not properly maintained. It is recommended to cut back the plant regularly to prevent it from spreading too much.

To grow lemon balm from seed, it is best to plant them in the spring, right after the last frost. The seeds can be started indoors or directly sown in the garden. Lemon balm seeds have a germination rate of around 70%, so it is important to plant a few extra seeds to ensure a good crop.

When planting lemon balm in the garden, it is recommended to space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart. If growing in containers, a 12-inch container is sufficient for one plant.

Lemon balm plants can be propagated through division or cuttings. To propagate through division, simply dig up the plant and divide it into smaller sections. Cuttings can be taken in the summer and rooted in water or soil.

One issue that lemon balm plants can face is powdery mildew. To prevent this, it is important to provide good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.

Additional Information about Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is a fragrant herb that is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Its botanical name is Melissa officinalis, and it is a member of the mint family. It is a herbaceous perennial, which means that it dies back to the ground in the winter and regrows its stems each spring.

Lemon Balm has a mild lemony flavor and fragrance, which makes it a popular ingredient in teas, soups, and other dishes. It is also used as a natural remedy for various ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues.

Propagation of Lemon Balm is easy. It can be grown from seed or propagated by division in the spring or fall. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun. It is important to note that Lemon Balm can be invasive and spread quickly, so it is recommended to grow it in a container or in a designated area of the garden.

Lemon Balm is also known to repel ants, making it a useful addition to outdoor areas. Its leaves can also be crushed and rubbed on the skin to repel mosquitoes.

Reviews of Lemon Balm are generally positive, with many people praising its calming and soothing effects. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary and that Lemon Balm should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions