How to Grow Lemon Balm in New Zealand
Lemon-scented perennial in the mint family with a spreading habit, though less aggressive than mint. Best in part shade to avoid leaf scorch, and the flowers draw in bees. Self-seeds freely and grows well across New Zealand, slowing only in the coldest winters.
When to plant lemon balm in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best lemon balm varieties for NZ
- Common Lemon Balm — Lemon-scented perennial for teas and salads, easy from seed. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Aurea (Golden) — Gold-variegated form, ornamental as well as useful in the kitchen. (Kings Seeds, herb nurseries)
How to grow lemon balm
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow lemon balm near: Tomato, Brassicas, Fruit trees.
Pests and problems
Watch for: few pests. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant lemon balm in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy lemon balm seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, herb nurseries.