Indoor Lemon Balm Care – Tips For Growing Lemon Balm Indoors

Lemon balm as a houseplant is a fabulous idea because this lovely herb offers a beautiful lemony aroma, a tasty addition to foods and drinks, and a pretty potted plant for a sunny window ledge. Knowing what this herb needs will allow you to grow it indoors, year-round.

Reasons for Growing Lemon Balm Indoors

All gardeners know that it is nice to have any green plants indoors, especially during the winter months. However, growing herbs like lemon balm in containers inside add much more than just a cheerful splash of living green. Lemon balm looks nice, but it also smells nice. 

A whiff of lemon in the winter, and at all times of the year, is a great mood booster. You can also pick leaves from your indoor lemon balm to use in savory and sweet dishes, salads, cocktails, and just about anything else that can benefit from an herbal lemon flavor.

How to Grow Lemon Balm Indoors

Lemon balm is related to mint, which is good news for growing it. Like mint, this herb will grow readily if you give it the right conditions. Containers are perfect for lemon balm growing because, like mint, it will spread rapidly and take over a bed in the garden. 

Choose a container of just about any size, but the larger the container, the more lemon balm you’ll get as your original plant grows. For soil, any decent potting soil will work, but make sure the container drains. Water your plant regularly, without letting it get soggy. A nice sunny spot will be best for your lemon balm, with at least five hours per day of sunlight. 

You can use a light liquid fertilizer for houseplants every couple of weeks to encourage growth. Indoor lemon balm care is pretty easy and straightforward but keep an eye on your plant and watch for signs of bolting. If you see signs of flowers forming, pinch them off. 

The leaves won’t taste right if you let the plant bolt. You can grow your lemon balm indoors year-round, but with a container, you can also move it outdoors to enjoy it in the garden or on the patio in the warmer months.