Pretty Chill
Partial to Indirect Sunlight
Keep Soil Moist
Pet Safe
PARTIAL TO INDIRECT SUN
In super hot climates, or days of harsh sun, consider placing your lemon balm somewhere it can get afternoon shade. A little break from the sun will prevent wilted leaves due to heat stress.
4 HOURS OF FILTERED SUNLIGHT DAILY
Lemon balm can grow in lower light conditions, but if you notice it looking leggy, move it to a brighter spot if you can!
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.
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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹
EAST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants
WEST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹
⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants
NORTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹
⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!
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KEEP SOIL MOIST
Lemon balm want a steady swig of water without feeling drowned. Try to keep it extra hydrated during warmer months.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, making sure it has good drainage.
MODERATE HUMIDITY
Lemon balm isn't picky, so indoor humidity is fine.
In drier environments, a humidifier can help prevent leaf edges from crisping during dry spells.
SOIL
LEMON BALM DIGS A RICH AND WELL-DRAINING MIX
When choosing a potting mix for this herb, look for mixes that include:
PERLITE
PERLITE
Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
COCO COIR
Looks like fluffy, light brown fibers like shredded coconut husk (what it's made from). Helps hold moisture without making the soil too wet.
HARVESTING
ALWAYS USE CLEAN SCISSORS OR HANDS
You can start harvesting when lemon balm is at least six inches tall. Snip away as much as you need, making sure to leave at least half of the plant intact.
Try to regularly trim every 1 to 2 weeks to keep the herb from flowering.
IDENTIFY THE PRUNING SPOT
Focus on snipping stems that have 2-3 sets of leaves. Try to always cut full stems instead of individual leaves! This encourages new growth.
MORNING HARVESTS
The “lemony” oils that give this herb its scent are most concentrated in the morning (before the sun evaporates the oils).
Make sure to use right away or store in an airtight container to preserver the aroma!
COMMON ISSUES
LEGGY / PALE
A definite sign of not enough sunlight.
If you notice lemon balm looking leggy and weak, it's time to move it to a brighter spot.
WILTING / YELLOWING
Buckle up! This could mean anything.
⊹ SOIL CHECK ⊹
Soggy: Likely overwatered or poor drainage. Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Allow soil to dry out a bit.
Bone dry + in full sun: Needs a drink. Water thoroughly until water drains from bottom. Give it some shade to recover from possible heat stress.
⊹ STRESS ⊹
Temperature changes or repotting can also cause “droopy leaf” stress. Keep its conditions stable and give it time to adjust!
FLOWERING (BOLTING)
Hot weather or long daylight hours can cause basil to bolt.
With lemon balm, bolting can cause weakened flavor, slower growth, and a tougher leaf texture.
Pinch off flower buds as they appear to keep them away and to keep your herb flavorful.
CRISPING TIPS
Likely due to soil kept too dry or too much direct sunlight.
Trim off browned tips. Check in on the soil, and make sure it is kept slightly moist (not soggy!). Consider moving your lemon balm to an area where it can get some shade from harsh afternoon sun.
PESTS
Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
Aphids
Spider Mites
Whiteflies
