Herb Lemon Balm Unrooted Cuttings

We recommend that you pinch Lemon Balm 3-4 weeks after planting your cuttings. Make sure they are well rooted before pinching. Growing herbs at cooler temperatures will help to keep the plants short and bushy.

Space 4-inch, 6-inch, and gallon pots as needed to allow air flow and penetration of light between plants. Lemon Balm can grow to a 24" spread. We do not recommend planting them in 1801 or other traditional market trays as they tend to get leggy and have the potential for fungus problems when planted too close together.

Lemon Balm can grow up to three feet in height. Cut back to control height and spread. Plant growth regulators are not recommended on herbs.

Whiteflies, aphids, mites, and occasionally mealybugs are all insects to watch out for with Lemon Balm.

Lemon Balm may be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and gray mold. Planting in well-drained soil with plenty of space for airflow, watering at the base of the plant, and not handling foliage when wet will help mitigate risk for these diseases.

Powdery mildew is unlikely to cause the plant to die. This fungus causes a grayish powder on the surface of leaves, and can be treated by removing affected plant parts and using a preventative fungicide. Fungal leaf spot should not present a major problem, as it usually only causes cosmetic blemishes on plant foliage; this broad group of plant disease appears as small brownish lesions on plant leaves or flowers. It can be prevented by providing sufficient airflow, keeping plants away from standing water, and watering at the base of the plant. A fungicide can be used to treat leaf spot if the integrity of the plant will be damaged.

Gray mold appears as a dark blight on plant foliage. Manage gray mold by providing sufficient airflow, keeping plants spaced, and watering at the base of the plants in the morning so they have a chance to dry off during the day. Take care not to wound plants when pruning or harvesting, as wounded plants are more susceptible to gray mold. Remove infected plant parts.

1. If you are planting 4" pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient. We recommend at least 3 starters per pot for 6" and larger. Use a well-drained soil in your pots and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot.
2. Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation of rooted cuttings. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.