Lemon Balm plant profile
Melissa officinalis
A perennial herb for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Lemon Balm
Sow or transplant lemon balm in early spring once hard frost has passed (USU sows seed around March). Divide established clumps in late summer. It is a hardy perennial that returns each year.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Lemon Balm in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 18 to 24 in apart
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: invasive spreading.
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- How to Grow Lemon Balm in Your Garden
Utah State University Extension. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-13.
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) entry
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.