Lemon Balm

[burnie]

Does anyone grow this, I have some sown in a tray in the greenhouse which are doing quite well, I grew this over 35 years ago outside when living in the Midlands, but wonder how tough it is, will it survive a summer up here in NE Scotland out side or should I put some in a pot?

[Ms-T]

My o/h grew is...and i am trying to get rid of it , but it still came up all over the place..so i would say very tough...

[Nicos]

We have it taking over parts of our gardens. (Mostly in shaded areas)
It’s even taken over my mint bed.
We’ve had -18C and it’s survived. And 40C ...

Tuff as ol’boots as Ms_T says

[Right Shed Fred]

I have mine in a pot in the ground to try to stop it creep-spreading, but I still find tiny lemon balm plants springing up all over the plot at this time of year from the seeds. Whilst I am at the other end of the country, I don't think you'd have problems in NE Scotland - it's a very enthusiastic grower.

The little self-seeded plants I have are only a cm or two tall at the moment, but sprouted outside without no help from me, without a problem in early march, so it's very tough.

[burnie]

Ok I have a large empty pot, just the place for it then lol.

[Mr Bones]

Could I ask, how do you all use lemon balm? We had some self set on the plot in a few places (like you say it's quite persistent..) so I used some to make a refreshing tea. Probably the way I did it but I'd have to say it was rather underwhelming and not at all refreshing. Shame really because the freshly picked leaves smell great.

[burnie]

A few ideas here
20 Uses For Lemon Balm In The Kitchen & Beyond (ruralsprout.com)

[Nicos]

Great link Burnie!

Bones- I have only ever used mine for herbal teas using about 12 leaves per cup.
It works wonders too (in the tea form ) on upset tummies.
Melissa drops are a well known herbal treatment in place of Imodium ,but it does take longer and repeated doses to work.

[Mr Bones]

Great link Burnie, thank you, and thanks Nicos. I didn't use nearly enough leaves an didn't let it steep for long enough either.. obvious really when I step back and look at it.

[annie8]

I moved my lemon balm from the back to front garden about a month ago. It got damaged quite badly with the recent snow but coming back. Seems pretty tough.

[greenishfing]

I planted some lemon balm once and keep finding it coming up. I strip the leaves and freeze with water in ice cube trays to use in Summer drinks.