Growing Lemon Balm in Pots

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Lemon balm is one of those herbs I associate with a soothing herbal tea. A calming tea blend is what led me to start growing this fragrant member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). While lemon balm doesn’t have the sophisticated underground runner system that mint has, it does like to reseed itself. In other words, plant it once and you may never have to plant it again! In this article, I’m going to share some growing tips, as well as why growing lemon balm in pots may be a better option than planting it in the ground.

Lemon balm is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. Its healing history dates back to Greek mythology. And while its common name denotes soothing, the etymology reveals that its Latin name, Melissa officinalis, is based on the Greek word for honeybee (Melissa).

The leaves of lemon balm are commonly found in herbal tea blends (or on their own) and brewed to help with indigestion, improve sleep and reduce anxiety. The foliage has a mild lemony scent and flavor as the name suggests. Fresh lemon balm leaves are used in recipes beyond the teacup in everything from lemonades and spritzers to simple syrup. And they make nice garnishes, just like mint.

It may be from the Mediterranean, but lemon balm is one of those hardy herbs that doesn’t mind a colder climate. This herbaceous perennial can survive in lower growing zones with winters that reach -20°F to -10°F (-28.9°C to -23.3°C). It’s also drought and deer resistant as these four-legged foragers do not enjoy the fragrance.

Lemon balm is among the first plants in my garden to make an appearance in