Citronella Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis 'Citronella') is a fragrant, hardy herb from the mint family, known for its bright lemon scent and its natural ability to repel insects. With its lemony aroma, it is a popular choice for making herbal teas, enhancing dishes, or crafting natural remedies. The plant has a smooth, bushy growth habit and produces small, white to pale yellow flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Beyond its ability to deter mosquitoes and other pests, Citronella Lemon Balm is also valued for its calming effects and medicinal properties, making it a versatile herb in both the garden and the home.

Key Features:

• Natural Insect Repellent: Citronella Lemon Balm is known for its ability to naturally repel mosquitoes and other flying insects, making it ideal for creating pest-free outdoor spaces.
• Fragrant Herb: This variety of Lemon Balm has a strong lemon scent, making it a favorite in culinary applications, essential oils, and aromatherapy.
• Calming & Therapeutic: Like traditional Lemon Balm, this variety offers calming and anti-anxiety benefits, often used in teas and tinctures for relaxation and stress relief.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Citronella Lemon Balm’s flowers attract beneficial pollinators, including bees and butterflies, helping to support the garden ecosystem.
• Easy to Grow: It’s a low-maintenance, hardy herb that thrives in a variety of soil types, making it perfect for beginner gardeners.
• Culinary & Medicinal Uses: Excellent for flavoring dishes, beverages, or making herbal remedies, this herb serves a dual purpose both in the kitchen and as a natural remedy.

Growing Information:

Light Requirements:

• Citronella Lemon Balm grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
• For optimal growth and flavor, provide it with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Soil Preferences:

• Citronella Lemon Balm prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 6.0 and 7.0).
• It thrives in moist but not soggy soil, so ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Planting Tips:

1. Start Indoors or Direct Sowing: You can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow them directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
2. Germination: Citronella Lemon Balm seeds require light to germinate, so lightly press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them. Expect germination within 10-15 days.
3. Spacing: Space seeds or young plants about 12-18 inches apart, as the plants will spread through the growing season.
4. Transplanting: If you start seeds indoors, transplant seedlings into the garden after the last frost, ensuring they have enough space to spread.

Watering Needs:

• Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
• Citronella Lemon Balm is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture ensures lush growth and a more aromatic herb.
• Consider mulching around the plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds from competing for nutrients.

Pruning & Maintenance:

1. Cut Back After Flowering: To keep the plant bushy and encourage new growth, trim it back after it flowers.
2. Pinch Tips: Pinching back the growing tips will help the plant branch out, making it fuller and more attractive.
3. Harvesting: Harvest leaves throughout the growing season. The best time to pick the leaves is just before the plant flowers, as the flavor is most potent.
4. Winter Care: In cooler climates, mulch around the base in late fall to protect the roots during the winter months.

Benefits:

• Natural Insect Repellent: The strong citronella scent of this herb naturally deters mosquitoes and other flying insects, making it an excellent addition to outdoor spaces like patios, gardens, and balconies.
• Calming and Relaxing: Citronella Lemon Balm has calming properties, often used in tea or tinctures to reduce anxiety, promote sleep, and relieve stress.
• Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to ease digestive discomfort, Lemon Balm helps alleviate bloating, indigestion, and gas.
• Culinary Use: The fresh lemony flavor of the leaves enhances dishes, salads, sauces, and beverages like iced tea. It also works well in fruit salads, fish dishes, and marinades.
• Aromatherapy: The strong citrus aroma can be used in essential oils or homemade potpourri to freshen up living spaces and provide a relaxing atmosphere.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers of Citronella Lemon Balm attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

Growing Zones:

• Citronella Lemon Balm is suitable for USDA Zones 4-9, where it can be grown as a perennial. It is hardy and can withstand mild winters, returning each year with minimal care.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Natural Pest Control: Plant Citronella Lemon Balm near outdoor seating areas, patios, or vegetable gardens to naturally keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay.
• Companion Planting: Use Lemon Balm as a companion plant in herb or vegetable gardens. It can enhance the growth of nearby plants by attracting pollinators and repelling pests.
• Pollinator Garden: This herb’s flowers are a valuable food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly garden designs.
• Herb Garden: Plant Citronella Lemon Balm alongside other herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme, to create a fragrant and functional herb garden.
• Cut Flowers: The delicate flowers of Citronella Lemon Balm can be cut and used in fresh bouquets or dried for potpourri.

Conclusion:
Citronella Lemon Balm is a multi-purpose herb that offers both practical and aesthetic benefits for the garden. With its natural insect-repelling properties, calming medicinal qualities, and versatile culinary uses, it’s a wonderful addition to any herb or pollinator garden. Easy to grow and maintain, it will thrive in most garden conditions, providing long-lasting rewards. Whether used to enhance your outdoor spaces, as an herbal remedy, or as a culinary herb, Citronella Lemon Balm is a plant that will offer both beauty and function for years to come.