Once lemon balm has taken root in the bed, it reproduces independently using seeds and runners. In order to settle the herb plant in another location, it is recommended to propagate it by sowing, dividing or cuttings. Here's how.
How can lemon balm be propagated?
Lemon balm can be propagated by sowing, dividing or cuttings. For successful sowing, germination on the windowsill is recommended, division is uncomplicated in early spring, and cuttings in early summer are also suitable.
Sow seeds skillfully - they germinate better indoors
Given their winter hardiness, lemon balm seeds are theoretically suitable for direct sowing. Experience has shown that they germinate very slowly outdoors. We therefore recommend sowing on the windowsill, which has a high success rate of more than 80 percent. This is how it works:
- fill small pots with seed soil (€6.00 on Amazon) or peat sand and moisten
- Spread seeds 3-5 centimeters apart
- do not cover the light germinators with substrate, just press them down
At temperatures of 20-25 degrees Celsius in a partially shaded window seat, germination begins after 3-4 weeks. A hood made of plastic film increases the germination of the seeds, only to fall away again after the cotyledons appear. Your pupils will be planted in the bed from mid-May.
Uncomplicated propagation by division
Division is one of the simplest methods of propagation in ornamental and kitchen gardens. In early spring, dig up a vital lemon balm. Use a spade or sharp knife to divide the root ball into two or more segments. Each section should have at least 2 shoots. Since these are completely self-sufficient plant parts, they can be planted immediately at the new location.
This is how cuttings are transformed into magnificent lemon balm plants
In early summer, every branch has the potential for an independent lemon balm. The evidence is provided by 10 to 15 centimeter long shoot tips that serve as cuttings. It's that easy:
- defoliate each cutting in the lower area
- plant in a small pot with potting or herb soil
- only the upper pair of leaves can be seen
- pour it on and put a plastic bag over it
The cuttings root quickly in a partially shaded spot in the garden or on the windowsill. After a few weeks they are planted at the intended location.
Tips & Tricks
Regardless of the frugality of adult lemon balm, young plants grown by hand prove to be very thirsty. In the first weeks and months after planting in beds and containers, they are watered much more frequently than in later years. Therefore, use your thumb test to check daily whether the substrate surface has dried and should be watered.
