Lemon Balm Control Tips For Getting Rid Of Lemon Balm Weeds

The most effective way to keep lemon balm in bounds is to prevent the plant from going to seed. One way to accomplish this is to shear the plant two or three times every year so it doesn't bloom. Don't worry; cutting the plant back won't hurt it.

How do you keep lemon balm from spreading?

To keep lemon balm from becoming invasive, set it in the garden in a bottomless container that will keep the roots in place. Remove unwanted plants before they become established. Cut plants back by half after flowering to encourage a second crop of leaves and a compact form. Deadhead plants to prevent self-sowing.

How do you kill lemon balm plants?

Eradicating this type of ground cover is a fairly simple process because lemon balm does not feature deep roots.

Loosen the soil underneath unwanted lemon balm plants using a garden trowel or fork. ...
Remove all roots with your garden tools. ...
Spread mulch in the affected area to prevent any regrowth.

Is Lemon balm an invasive plant?

Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.

Should I prune lemon balm?

To keep plants vigorous, thin plants out in mid-summer by cutting out stems to open up the plant to better air circulation. Lemon balm can also be cut back to about one-half its height to encourage fresh, vigorous new growth. Watering after this heavy pruning helps the plant recover quicker.

Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?

Lemon Balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. ... The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.

What does lemon balm grow well with?

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.

Can I plant lemon balm and mint together?

The mint family plants, which include peppermint, spearmint, catmint, flavored mints such as orange mint and lemon balm, are spreading plants. ... Don't mix different mints in the same box because they interbreed and will produce some new and probably not as deliciously fragrant varieties.

How fast does lemon balm spread?

Seeds should sprout in 5-9 days with soil temperatures ranging from 65-70°F. You can also choose to start seedlings in flats indoors or in a greenhouse in early spring. Sprinkle seeds in trays on top of potting soil, and keep them moist until they sprout.

Can I plant lemon balm with mint?

Lemon balm is wonderful when used to make hot or cold tea, and its flavor blends very well with black tea and other herbs such as apple mint, lemon verbena, anise, fennel, and fenugreek.

What is the difference between lemon balm and mint?

While mint and lemon balm do come from the same family, they come from different branches of that family. ... Lemon balm's flavor is mildly lemony with a very subtle mint note, while mint's flavor is simply minty with no lemon note.

Can you take too much lemon balm?

As a general rule of thumb, never take more than the recommended dosage on the product label. Cold sores preparations containing 1% lemon balm can be applied to cold sores three to four times per day.

How do you take care of a lemon balm plant?

The plants aren't picky about where they grow and will grow in almost any soil, but they prefer rich, well drained soil. Lemon balm plants will grow in part shade to full sun, but flourish best in full sun. It isn't recommended that you fertilize lemon balm, as this can cause the strength of its scent to be reduced.

When should I cut back lemon balm?

In early summer, cut back variegated cultivars to encourage strongly coloured growth. Cut back plants after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of leaves. Rejuvenate congested clumps of lemon balm by lifting and dividing in the autumn.

Does lemon balm die in winter?

Growing Lemon Balm Indoors

Overwintering Inside: The plant needs a rest period in the winter. It will die down in the autumn. The best way to overwinter Lemon Balm is to cut it right back to the ground and store in a cool room until the spring.

How often should you water lemon balm?

Water deeply enough to saturate the roots, and then allow the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering again, as soggy soil may cause the plant to rot. Lemon balm in containers may require water every day, especially during hot, dry weather.

What is the difference between lemongrass and lemon balm?

Lemongrass is a grass, not a shrub like lemon balm. ... Unlike lemon balm, lemongrass does not have a strong minty undertone. The flavor profile is primarily the lemon note against a mildly herbaceous background, the result is a more astringent flavor profile than you would get from lemon balm.

Does lemon balm repel ants?

Lemon Balm

Neither do flies and ants.

Does lemon balm repel ticks?

Lemon Balm

As a part of the mint family, this plant that repels ticks has slightly larger green leaves and can grow up to four feet tall. It'll also branch out and look very full. ... These are plants that repel ticks and the oils are very potent.

Can I plant lemon balm and lemon thyme together?

The luscious lineup, clockwise from top: lemongrass, lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, golden lemon thyme, and lemon basil. ... Lemon herbs thrive in sun and well-drained soil, so plant them together and add a few flowers with similar sunny dispositions.

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.

Is Lemon balm aggressive?

A member of the mint family, lemon balm shares mint's tendency to spread quickly and easily, although lemon balm is less aggressive. It's usually 2 to 3 feet tall, but lemon balm can grow up to 5 feet in some cases.