Does Lemon Balm Bloom?

Bloom time: Lemon balm blooms throughout the summer and into fall. Leaves: Lemon balm has lemon-scented, oval, toothed leaves that are heavily veined or quilted from 2 to 3 inches long arranged opposite one another on four-sided stems. Leave are coarsely toothed with a bristly surface.

Does lemon balm have a flower?

The white tiny flowers are fairly inconspicuous. The inconspicuous white flowers, sometimes with a yellowish or pinkish tinge, bloom in the leaf axils throughout the summer and are attractive to bees. Because lemon balm is rich in nectar, it is sometimes planted to feed bees.

Can I use lemon balm after it flowers?

You can harvest handfuls of lemon balm leaves for fresh use almost any time during the growing season. For a large harvest of leaves that will be dried for tea or medicinal use, it is preferable to wait until the plant begins to put on flower buds or just as the flowers begin to open.

What does lemon balm look like when growing?

Lemon balm can grow 24 to 36 inches tall and makes a nice green clump of medium-textured leaves among the other herbs and flowers in your garden. The plant looks best when it is cut back periodically, so plan to use lots of fresh, flavourful leaves to brew tea, flavour fruit or green salad, and season fish.

Does lemon balm spread?

Lemon balm does not spread by underground runners like mint. It will increase in size, though, making a bigger clump in the garden each season and sprouting from seeds that develop from inconspicuous flowers.

Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?

Lemon Balm
The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.

What do the flowers on lemon balm look like?

Lemon balm is a bushy perennial herb with deliciously lemon-scented leaves and creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer.

Does lemon balm repel ants?

Lemon Balm
This member of the mint family emits a clean lemon scent. Mosquitoes don’t like it. Neither do flies and ants.

Does lemon balm grow back every year?

Over-winter lemon balm in a protected area such as an unheated garage or patio. Winter growing: Cut back lemon balm in fall leaving just 2 inches of stem. The plant may freeze back to the ground in winter but will re-grow from underground roots and renew itself in spring.

How do you know when lemon balm is ready to pick?

lemon balm is ready to harvest once its leaves reach the desired size. Lemon balm is usually used fresh, as it loses a lot of its scent once it’s dried. Use snips to cut off portions of the lemon balm to use. Leaves can be harvested throughout the summer.

Is lemon balm leaves edible?

As a general rule of thumb, treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor.

Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?

Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.

Can you eat lemon balm leaves?

When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.

Is lemon balm an aggressive plant?

Lemon Balm
A vigorous and attractive lemon-scented perennial herb that tolerates poor, droughty soils. Spreads aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, but makes an attractive filler and background, especially variegated varieties.

What kills lemon balm?

Apply an organic herbicide, such as one containing clove oil, should the previous methods fail. Clove oil is effective in controlling broad-leaf weeds. Organic herbicides will not harm wanted plants in your garden or lawn. You can also opt for a nonselective chemical herbicide.

Do bees like lemon balm?

Lemon Balm (Melissa) – Lemon Balm is known by many names, Melissa, the genus name means “honeybee” and it is definitely a favorite of the bees. It’s also a wonderful herb to have on hand. The leaves are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, sedative and aromatic.

What can I plant next to lemon balm?

Most herbs, fruits and vegetables make great lemon balm companions, including the following:

• Winter and summer squash.
• Melons.
• Tomatoes.
• All members of the cabbage family (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.)
• Apples.
• Kiwi.
• Onions.
• Fennel.

Is citronella the same as lemon balm?

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) contains more citronella—as much as 400 times more—than the Mosquito Plant. And it turns out both lemon thyme and lemon balm are less expensive and easier to grow.

Does lemon balm repel fleas?

3. Lemon Balm to Repel Fleas (Melissa officinalis) Lemon Balm has a rich, citrusy scent that most people love and most insects hate. This plant is a good repellent for mosquitos, and can make a great extract for a bug spray.

How often should you water lemon balm?

When watering be sure to water deeply and saturate the roots. Allow the topsoil to dry before watering again as soggy soil may cause rotting of the plant. For container-grown lemon balm may require daily watering.

What bugs does lemon balm attract?

Among the insects attracted to lemon balm are tachinid flies, hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It is also said to repel mosquitos if you rub it on your skin. Lemon balm can work as a pest repellant. These blue flowers will bring ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic mini-wasps, bees and butterflies to your garden.