Lemon Balm Growth Stages & Timelines (With Pictures)

Kasey Spencer
Growth Stages of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb that thrives in many gardens due to its delightful lemon scent and numerous uses, ranging from culinary to medicinal. As a hardy member of the mint family, this plant not only enriches the garden with its fragrant leaves but also attracts pollinators, making it a dual-purpose herb.

This post will guide you through each stage of lemon balm’s lifecycle, ensuring you have all the knowledge needed to grow robust and healthy plants. Let’s explore how to maximize the potential of this aromatic herb in your garden.

Growth Stages of Lemon Balm

Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or a beginner eager to expand your herbal garden, knowing when to sow, care for, and harvest lemon balm can significantly enhance your gardening experience and yield.

Stage 1: Germination

Lemon balm seedling
Image: Envato Elements

Germination is the initial stage in the life cycle of lemon balm and arguably one of the most exciting phases for any gardener. This stage sets the foundation for a healthy plant, so understanding the conditions needed and recognizing the signs of successful germination is crucial.

Timeframe and Conditions for Seed Germination

Lemon balm seeds require specific conditions to break dormancy and begin growth. Typically, the seeds take between 7 to 14 days to germinate, but this can vary based on environmental factors. For optimal germination, maintain a soil temperature of about 65-70°F (18-21°C). The soil should be well-draining and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Covering the seeds lightly with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite can protect them and maintain the necessary moisture levels. Lemon balm seeds benefit from light, so avoid burying them too deeply.

How to Recognize Successful Germination

Successful germination of lemon balm can be identified by the appearance of small, green sprouts emerging from the soil. Initially, these sprouts will display a pair of tiny leaves known as cotyledons.

These are not true leaves but serve to provide initial nutrients and energy for the plant to develop its first true leaves, which are typically more textured and detailed.

Observing the emergence of these sprouts is a sign that your lemon balm is off to a good start and ready to transition into the seedling stage.

Stage 2: Seedling

Replanting Lemon Balm
Image: Envato Elements

Once your lemon balm seeds have sprouted, they enter the seedling phase. This is a critical time as the young plants are still delicate and require careful attention to thrive.

What to Expect During the Seedling Phase

During the seedling phase, your lemon balm will start to develop its first true leaves, which are distinct from the initial cotyledons. These leaves will be larger, showing the characteristic shape and texture associated with lemon balm, including their serrated edges.

As the plant matures through this stage, you can expect an increase in leaf growth and the beginning of stem development. This phase is crucial for establishing a strong root system, which is fundamental for the health and resilience of the plant.

Care Tips for Young Plants

  1. Lighting: Ensure that your seedlings receive plenty of light. If natural sunlight is limited, consider using a grow light to provide the necessary spectrum of light for healthy growth. Lemon balm seedlings prefer at least six hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but be cautious of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water gently to avoid dislodging the young plants from the soil.
  3. Temperature: Maintain a stable environment; abrupt temperature changes can stress the young plants. Ideally, keep the ambient temperature around 65-70°F (18-21°C).
  4. Feeding: Lemon balm seedlings benefit from a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks to support their rapid growth. However, it’s important to not over-fertilize, which can harm the delicate plants.
  5. Spacing: As the seedlings grow, ensure they have enough space to develop. If you started the seeds in a communal container, transplant them to individual pots or space them out in your garden to prevent competition for nutrients and light.

Stage 3: Vegetative Growth

lemon balm Vegetative Growth
Image: Envato Elements

During the vegetative growth phase, lemon balm focuses on expanding its leaves and stems. This period is marked by rapid growth where the plant develops the bulk of its foliage. The leaves become larger, more fragrant, and richer in the essential oils that give lemon balm its characteristic lemony scent. This phase is vital for accumulating the resources that will support flowering and seed production later on.

Tips for Promoting Healthy Leaf Development

  1. Pruning: Regularly pinching off the tips of the growth can encourage the plant to become bushier, which increases leaf production. This technique also helps prevent early flowering.
  2. Watering: Continue to water the plants consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy, allowing for good root growth without waterlogging.
  3. Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
  4. Sun Exposure: Ensure your lemon balm receives full to partial sunlight. A south-facing window or a grow light can provide adequate light if grown indoors.

Stage 4: Maturation and Harvesting

Lemon Balm
Image: Envato Elements

Lemon balm can be harvested once it has substantial foliage, typically around 60-70 days after planting. To harvest, use scissors or your fingers to snip off the stems just above a leaf node. This encourages the plant to grow more side shoots and become fuller.

Signs that the Plant is Ready for Harvesting

  1. The plant should be lush and have a strong lemon scent, indicating a high concentration of essential oils.
  2. It is best to harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is at its peak, as this is when the essential oils are most potent.

5: Flowering and Seed Production

Lemon balm

Lemon balm flowers in mid to late summer, producing small, white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The flowering phase indicates that the plant is mature and focuses on reproduction.

How to Manage and Use Seeds for Future Planting

  1. Seed Collection: Once flowering is complete, the flowers will develop into seed heads. Allow the seed heads to dry on the plant, then collect the seeds by gently rubbing the heads between your fingers over a container to catch the seeds.
  2. Seed Storage: Store the seeds in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to maintain their viability for the next planting season.
  3. Using Seeds: When ready to plant again, remember that lemon balm seeds require light for germination, so sow them on the surface of the soil or lightly cover them with soil.

By understanding these stages and applying proper care techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of lemon balm, rich in flavor and aroma, and even propagate new plants for continuous growth.

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