All about lemon balm
Lemon balm is a fragant plant in the mint family. It is a perennial that grows 1-2 ft in zones 4-9. Clusters of while tubular flowers bloom in mid-summer. Lemon balm has a honey sweet lemon flavor and scent. Plant about 2 weeks before last spring frost. Lemon balm prefers full sun in the north, filtered shade in the south and well drained soil. Harvest leaves anytime for immediate use, or collect leaves for drying before the plant flowers. Lemon balm leaves tend to darken in color when air dried. Best to dry using a dehydrator or freeze whole lemon balm leaves in ice cubes. Use lemon balm for salads, vegetables, chicken or fish. It also makes an excellent herb tea. Lemon balm is not as invasive as other mints, so you can enjoy it in your garden.