How to Grow Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena
Are you looking for a way to add some fresh flavors to your cooking or tea? Look no further than lemon balm and lemon verbena! These two herbs are easy to grow and can be used in a variety of ways. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to grow lemon balm and lemon verbena.
Choosing the Right Location
The first step in growing lemon balm and lemon verbena is choosing the right location for them to grow. Both herbs prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. When choosing a spot, make sure it gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. You will also want to make sure that the soil is well-draining, as these herbs do not like to have their roots sitting in water.
If you are planting in a garden bed, make sure to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting. If you are planting in containers, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and fill it with a high-quality potting mix.
Planting the Herbs
Once you have chosen the right location, it's time to plant your herbs. You can start lemon balm and lemon verbena from seeds or cuttings. If starting from seeds, sow them directly into the ground or container in the spring after the last frost. If starting from cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from an established plant and root it in a glass of water or directly in soil.
When planting, space the herbs about 2 feet apart in all directions. This will give them plenty of room to spread out as they grow. After planting, water the herbs thoroughly and continue to keep the soil moist until they become established.
Caring for the Herbs
Both lemon balm and lemon verbena are relatively low-maintenance herbs. They do require regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather, but do not overwater them as this can cause root rot. Fertilizing every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer can help encourage healthy growth.
To prevent the herbs from getting too leggy, pinch back the growing tips regularly. This will encourage the plants to bush out instead of growing tall and spindly. If the plants become too large, you can also prune them back by up to one-third of their size. This will help keep the plants healthy and promote new growth.
Harvesting and Using the Herbs
After a few months of growth, both lemon balm and lemon verbena will be ready to harvest. To harvest, simply snip off a few stems at a time, being careful not to take more than one-third of the plant at once. The best time to harvest is in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in.
Lemon balm and lemon verbena can be used fresh or dried. They are particularly delicious in teas, either alone or in combination with other herbs. They can also be used to flavor desserts, dressings, and marinades. Store dried herbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
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