Does Lemon Balm Like Sun Or Shade?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Does balm like sun or shade? Perhaps it is in too much sun. Many herbs do well in the sun, but

lemon balm needs shade

. Especially in areas in which the summer sun is hot, this plant grows best with some shade in the afternoon or in a spot where there are tall trees to lessen the intensity of the sun.

How many hours of sun does lemon balm need?

In both indoor and outdoor environments, lemon balm loves a sunny spot. However, unlike an outdoor lemon balm plant—which can tolerate a bit of shade—those planted indoors need ample sunlight,

at least five to six hours a day

. Place your herb containers near a windowsill that gets ample light throughout the day.

How do you care for lemon balm?

The plants aren't picky about where they grow and will grow in almost any soil, but

they prefer rich, well drained soil

. Lemon balm plants will grow in part shade to full sun, but flourish best in full sun. It isn't recommended that you fertilize lemon balm, as this can cause the strength of its scent to be reduced.

Does lemon balm come back every year?

Why is my lemon balm plant dying?

They get hit first and hardest.

Lack of moisture in leaves can be due to under-watering

, but intense sun and temperature extremes, both hot and cold, can cause it, too. Drying winds and over-fertilizing also leave lemon balm's foliage scorched and brown, reports the Herb Society of America.

Can lemon balm grow in shade?

Many herbs do well in the sun, but

lemon balm needs shade

. Especially in areas in which the summer sun is hot, this plant grows best with some shade in the afternoon or in a spot where there are tall trees to lessen the intensity of the sun.

Does lemon balm plant keep mosquitoes away?

Lemon Balm

The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin.

Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats

.

Can you overwater lemon balm?

Lemon Balm has very few pests or diseases. However,

they can suffer root rot if overwatered

. This may be the cause for your damaged leaves. Regardless of the cause, you'll want to take several steps to prevent further problems.

Can I plant mint and lemon balm together?

Just because mint proliferates doesn't mean that you can't plant it together with other herbs.

Mint grows well with basil, oregano, and lemon balm

. When considering which herbs to plant together, you should remember that aromatic herbs like mint help deter pests and attract beneficial insects like honey bees.

How often should I water a lemon balm plant?

When watering be sure to water deeply and saturate the roots. Allow the topsoil to dry before watering again as soggy soil may cause rotting of the plant. For container-grown lemon balm may require

daily watering

.

What does lemon balm attract?

When lemon balm flowers, it brings in

bees and butterflies and other beneficial pollinators

. (Check out other plants I recommend to attract pollinators here.)

Does lemon balm repel ants?

Lemon Balm

This member of the mint family emits a clean lemon scent. Mosquitoes don't like it.

Neither do flies and ants

.

Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?

Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a

non-toxic

herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.

Why is my lemon balm leaves turning yellow?

Lemon balm is by far one of the easiest herbs to grow – and a great Southern herb.

Planting lemon balm in high shade is a must, as the leaves turn yellow green in full sun

.

Will lemon balm survive winter?

Like mint, lemon balm is quite hardy and

can be overwintered as far north as hardiness zones 4 and 5

. It is always a good idea to mulch plants year-round, but winter mulch is of the utmost importance. Mulch helps keep the ground frozen in areas where the ground freezes and keeps it warmer in areas where it doesn't.

Which herbs grow in complete shade?

  • Thyme. All types of thyme will thrive in the shade. …
  • Oregano. Since it prefers cooler temperatures, oregano (also called winter marjoram) actually does better in the shade. …
  • Sorrel. …
  • Cilantro. …
  • Mint. …
  • Lovage. …
  • Rosemary. …
  • Summer Savory.

Can herbs get too much sun?

Most herbs need a fair amount of sunlight. As long as an herb is growing in a space where it gets at least 4 hours of sunlight a day, it will most likely do well.

Most can tolerate much more sunlight

, though, with herbs like rosemary, lavender and basil thriving in full sun (6 – 8 hours a day).

Are there any shade loving herbs?

Does lemon balm attract bees?

Does lemon balm repel spiders?

Lemon Balm

It has a strong smell, one you'll enjoy, but

two particular pests don't like it: spiders and fruit flies

. This can create an absence of not only spiders but one of their prey, removing an incentive for them being indoors anyways. It's easy to grow.

Does lemon balm taste like citronella?

Lemon balm is a natural bug repellent.

It contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. You'll notice that

“citronellal” sounds a lot like “citronella,”

another plant used in many bug repellent sprays, lotions and candles.

Can I take cuttings from lemon balm?

Cuttings:

From late spring to early summer, the temperature and light conditions are perfect for propagating lemon balm with cuttings

.

Can you split lemon balm?

How do you prune lemon balm?

What grows well next to lemon balm?

Companion Plants for Lemon Balm

Companion plants include

dill, basil, squash, broccoli, cabbage family, cauliflower, hollyhocks, melons, angelica, nasturtiums, squash, tomatoes

. Its beautiful flowers attract beneficial pollinators, and the leaf's strong aroma deter pests such as cabbage moths, mosquitoes, and gnats.

What plants well with lemon balm?

  • Winter and summer squash.
  • Melons.
  • Tomatoes.
  • All members of the cabbage family (kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.)
  • Apples.
  • Kiwi.
  • Onions.
  • Fennel.

Why is my lemon balm turning purple?

Is lemon balm invasive?

Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and

become very invasive

.

Does Rosemary need full sun?

How do you fertilize lemon balm?

Can I plant mint and lemon balm together?

Just because mint proliferates doesn't mean that you can't plant it together with other herbs.

Mint grows well with basil, oregano, and lemon balm

. When considering which herbs to plant together, you should remember that aromatic herbs like mint help deter pests and attract beneficial insects like honey bees.

How often should you water lemon balm?

Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?

Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a

non-toxic

herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.

Is lemon balm invasive?

Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and

become very invasive

.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.