How to plant lemon balm

How to plant lemon balm

Lemon balm (scientific name: Melissa officinalis) is a herb with a fresh lemon scent and is commonly used in cooking, medicinal and gardening decoration. In recent years, with the rise of home gardening, growing lemon balm has become a hot topic. This article will introduce the cultivation methods of lemon balm in detail and provide structured data for reference.

1. Planting steps for lemon balm

1.Seed selection and seedling cultivation: Lemon balm can be propagated by seeds or divisions. The seed germination rate is low, so it is recommended to soak in advance to improve the success rate. It is easier to reproduce by dividing the root system directly from mature plants.

2.Soil selection: Lemon balm likes loose and well-drained soil, with a pH value between 6.0-7.5. Humu mixed sand can be used to ensure breathability.

3.Light and temperature: Lemon balm likes sunshine, but it needs proper shade in summer. The suitable growth temperature is 15-25℃, which has strong cold resistance and can tolerate low temperatures of -10℃.

4.Watering and fertilizing: Keep the soil moist but not water accumulation. Apply organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growth period, such as rotten compost or liquid fertilizer.

5.Trim and harvest: Regular pruning can promote branching and increase yield. The leaves can be harvested before blooming, and the fragrance is the strongest at this time.

2. Reference for planting data of lemon balm

3. Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions

1.Yellow leaves: It may be because of excessive watering or poor soil drainage, so the watering frequency needs to be adjusted and the soil structure needs to be improved.

2.Pests and diseases: Lemon balm is less affected by pests and diseases, but occasionally there are aphids or powdery mildew. It can be treated with soapy water or natural insecticides.

3.Slow growth: It may be due to insufficient light or nutritional deficiency, and it is necessary to increase sunlight or supplement fertilizer.

4. The use of lemon balm

1.cooking: Leaf can be used to make tea, salad or dessert to add a lemon flavor.

2.Medicinal use: It has sedative, digestive and antiviral effects, and is often used to relieve anxiety and insomnia.

3.Gardening decoration: The plant has beautiful shape and is suitable for planting in flower beds or potted plants to attract bees and butterflies.

5. Summary

Lemon balm is an easy to grow and versatile versatile herb. Through reasonable soil, light and moisture management, even newbies can successfully cultivate. Whether it is used for cooking, medicinal or gardening, it can add a refreshing lemon aroma to your life.