You have the choice of sowing lemon balm in the bed or on the windowsill. Each of the two methods scores with individual advantages. The following guide explains both procedures step by step.

This is how direct sowing succeeds

The time window opens in mid-May to sow lemon balm directly into the bed. Direct sowing scores with less work, but is associated with risks. It is primarily the poor driving force that leads to germination rates below 50 percent. Follow these steps:

  • Soak the seeds in water or on damp filter paper for 1 day
  • mix the seeds with fine sand to improve the spreading ability
  • sow in the finely crumbly prepared bed at the appropriate location at a maximum depth of 1 centimeter, press down and spray with water
  • do not cover the light germs with soil, but with transparent foil

Depending on the weather, germination will start within 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, the soil must not dry out. Emerging weeds are weeded daily. Since less than half of the seeds germinate, isolation is usually not necessary.

Sow lemon balm on the windowsill like this

Sowing behind glass is more promising. The starting signal is given in early to mid-March so that the young plants are mature after the Ice Saints for planting in the bed. How to do it:

  • Fill the seed tray with peat sand or seed soil and moisten
  • Sow and press the previously soaked seeds
  • place in the heated greenhouse
  • Expect germination at a partially shaded window seat at 20 to 25 degrees

Under ideal conditions, the seeds emerge after 1 to 2 weeks. In the period that follows, the temperature can be reduced to 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. When the seedlings have reached a height of 5 centimetres, they are transplanted into individual pots.

tips and tricks

Young plants grown behind glass enter a 10 to 14 day hardening phase at the beginning of May. During this time they spend the days in a frost-free, partially shaded spot in the garden, moving indoors or in the greenhouse for the night. This preparation is of essential importance for surviving delayed ground frosts without damage and for a rapid start of growth in the bed.

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Category:

Vegetable garden