Free tracked UK delivery on plant orders • DEFRA registered grower no. 153094
The Forgotten GardenThe Forgotten GardenRare plants with a story
Lemon Balm

Herbs

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

A vigorous lemon-scented perennial herb that brings fragrance, tea leaves and pollinators to the garden.

PerennialLemon scentedPollinator friendly
Awaiting restock

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

This plant is currently awaiting restock.
LifecyclePerennial (returns reliably each year and readily self-seeds)
PositionFull sun to partial shade
SoilOrdinary fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Too much shade gives softer, less aromatic growth.
Garden sizeBushy growth reaching 60–90 cm tall, spreading readily if left unmanaged
ContainerWell suited to containers (minimum 25–30 cm diameter) to control spread
Historic erasMedieval

Why it belongs in a forgotten garden

Lemon Balm — the story

Why grow it?

A cheerful perennial herb that asks very little and gives a lot: lemon-scented leaves for drinks and desserts, pollinator-friendly flowers and enough vigour to survive imperfect attention.

History & context

Long cherished for its gentle fragrance and calming presence, Lemon Balm has been grown in gardens since antiquity. Favoured by monks and household gardeners alike, it was valued as much for its soothing qualities as for its easy nature. Hardy, generous, and quietly uplifting, Lemon Balm brings both usefulness and grace to the garden.

Explore its place in Medieval garden history.

Growing guide

How to grow Lemon Balm

Soil & position

Ordinary fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Too much shade gives softer, less aromatic growth.

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Water

Water while establishing; mature plants are fairly tolerant but leaf quality is best when they are not repeatedly dried out.

Propagation

Easy from seed, division or soft cuttings. Division is the quickest way to bulk up a known plant.

Sowing referenceSow Mar–Apr (spreads easily)Depth: Surface/0.5 cm • Cold treatment: No

Ongoing care

Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh leaves and reduce self-seeding. Divide old clumps when they become woody or congested.

From garden to kitchen

Harvesting & eating it

When to harvest

Pick young leaves from spring to autumn, ideally before flowering for the freshest lemon scent.

Cut leafy stems before flowering for the brightest lemon scent. Plants respond well to being cut back and will usually produce fresh growth.

What is edible?

Leaves and flowers.

Flavour & cooking

Fresh leaves have a soft lemon scent and flavour, making them ideal for teas, syrups, desserts, and salads. Lemon Balm is best used fresh, as drying reduces its aromatic qualities.

Food value

Used in herb-sized quantities, so its contribution is mainly flavour and aroma rather than substantial nutrition.

Traditional medicinal uses, where mentioned in the historical material, are included as history rather than medical advice.

Kitchen idea

Lemon Balm & apple cordial

A cold, bright use for a plant that can produce leaves by the handful.

You’ll need

  • 2 packed cups fresh Lemon Balm leaves
  • 2 eating apples, chopped
  • 700 ml water
  • 250 g sugar or honey to taste
  • 2 lemons, zest and juice

Method

  1. Put apples, water and lemon zest in a saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. Add the Lemon Balm, turn off the heat, cover and infuse for 20 minutes.
  3. Strain through a fine sieve or muslin.
  4. Return the liquid to the pan, add sugar or honey and stir over gentle heat until dissolved.
  5. Add lemon juice, cool and refrigerate in a clean bottle.

How tough is it?

Resilience, pests & garden value

Resilience

Exceptionally easy to grow and forgiving of neglect, Lemon Balm thrives in a wide range of conditions and quickly establishes itself. Its vigorous nature and reliability make it a dependable perennial, well suited to both garden beds and containers.

Pests & practical problems

Generally easy. It can spread readily by seed and division; mildew may appear on stressed foliage late in the season.

Wildlife value

Flowers are highly attractive to bees — the genus name Melissa is itself associated with bees.

Growing in a container

Well suited to containers (minimum 25–30 cm diameter) to control spread

Container plants generally need more frequent watering and feeding than the same plant in open ground.

Ready to grow it?

Lemon Balm

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

Awaiting restock

If this caught your eye…

Keep exploring

Plants with a similar use, growing style or piece of history.

Angelica
Awaiting restock

Angelica

Angelica archangelica

BiennialArchitecturalAromatic stems

A towering aromatic biennial once prized for candied stems, preserves and liqueurs.

Explore this plant
Chervil
Awaiting restock

Chervil

Anthriscus cerefolium

AnnualDelicate anise flavourPart shade

A delicate old kitchen-garden herb with a soft parsley-and-anise flavour.

Explore this plant
Chinese Onion Chive
Awaiting restock

Chinese Onion Chive

Allium tuberosum

PerennialGarlic-flavoured leavesEdible white flowers

A perennial chive with flat leaves and a gentle garlic flavour — cut it repeatedly, eat the flowers and divide the clump when you want more.

Explore this plant