Step 1: Sowing Indoors (March – June)
- Fill pots with fine compost and lightly firm the surface.
- Scatter seeds on the surface – they need light to germinate, so only press gently into the soil without covering.
- Mist with water to settle them in.
Step 2: Water and Germination
- Place pots in a warm, bright spot.
- Keep compost moist but not waterlogged.
Step 3: Growing Seedlings
- Once seedlings are large enough to handle and have 2 – 3 true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
- Keep growing on indoors or in a greenhouse.
Step 4: Planting outdoors
- Harden off seedlings for a week (place outside during the day, bring in at night).
- Plant outdoors or in outdoor pots in rich, fertile soil in a sunny or semi-shaded spot.
- Spacing: 50 cm between plants, 40 cm between rows.
Step 5: Care and Harvest (June – September)
- Water regularly – lemon balm dislikes very dry soil.
- Pinch back stems to encourage bushy growth.
- Harvest fresh leaves from June to September; they’re excellent for teas, seasoning, or drying.
