In the right location, lemon balm thrives like crazy. Nevertheless, some fundamental aspects of care must not be neglected. Here you will find answers to all important questions - short, precise and practical.

How to water lemon balm

The water requirement depends on the age. Freshly planted, lemon balm is watered regularly. As soon as the surface of the earth has dried, it is watered. Well-established specimens are content with the natural rainfall and are only watered during summer droughts.

Does Lemon Balm Require Fertilizer?

As a weak eater, lemon balm has a low nutrient requirement. If the herbal plant finds an adequate location in the bed with humus-rich soil, there is no need to add fertilizer. If you face the challenge of a bucket culture, fertilize lemon balm every 14 days from April to August with organic liquid fertilizer.

Is a pruning necessary?

A popular herbal plant, lemon balm's pruning and harvesting go hand in hand. Lovingly cared for in a sunny spot, the Mediterranean lamiaceae deliver up to four harvests per season. It is precisely the pretty flowers that are not desired. Aroma levels are at their highest just before, only to drop dramatically after flowering. Therefore, cut lemon balm like this:

  • before the flowers unfold, it is cut
  • cut off the branches early in the morning
  • the dew should have evaporated
  • leave at least 10 centimeters of a shoot on the plant
  • the lemon balm will sprout again from the base piece

Only the last pruning before the first frost is done close to the ground. Excess clippings can be excellently preserved by drying, freezing or pickling.

How does hibernation succeed?

Here's some good news for home gardeners: lemon balm is fully hardy. After the first frost, the parts of the plant above the ground die off and are cut off. The underground rhizome will sprout again next spring. Only melissa in the bucket requires winter protection so that the root ball does not freeze through. The planter is wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in front of the south wall of the house.

The only care you can take during the winter is to water the herb plant in the bed and tub from time to time on a frost-free day, provided that the snow fails to supply water.

Are diseases and pests to be feared?

It is the high content of essential oils that pampers our nose and at the same time keeps pathogens and pests at bay. However, lemon balm is not completely immune. The following problems in cultivation can occur:

  • Fungal infections caused by powdery mildew
  • leaf spot disease
  • aphids

While leaf spot disease has not yet been combated, various home remedies are available for curing powdery mildew and aphids.

tips and tricks

An unpleasant side effect of lemon balm causes headaches, especially in small gardens. The herbal plant is growing. Resourceful hobby gardeners put a stop to this tendency by planting lemon balm in the garden soil with a bottomless pot. The edge of the container should be 5 centimeters above the ground.

Category:

Vegetable garden