How to Grow Lemon Balm Indoors for Tea

By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated October 20, 2026 · How we choose products

Lemon balm is a bushy, lemon-scented member of the mint family, and NC State Extension notes that its leaves give off a lemon scent when crushed or bruised and are used for tea, soups and salads (NC State Extension). It is one of the more forgiving herbs for light. Penn State lists lemon balm among the herbs that can tolerate low light and need only 2 to 6 hours of direct sun (Penn State Extension). That makes it a good choice for a kitchen without a bright south window. This guide covers light, pots, watering, keeping it compact and harvesting for tea.

Light

Illinois Extension says lemon balm grows in full sun to partial shade (Illinois Extension), and Penn State's range of 2 to 6 hours of direct sun is lower than most herbs need (Penn State Extension). Iowa State is a little more cautious and puts lemon balm on its list of herbs that can succeed indoors but have higher than normal light needs or significant pests (Iowa State Extension). Our reading of both: an east or west window often works, and a grow light helps in winter. Iowa State runs lights 6 to 12 inches from the leaves for 12 to 16 hours a day (Iowa State Extension).

Penn State notes that herbs below their preferred light become thin and spindly, with smaller leaves and less aroma (Penn State Extension). If the scent fades and the stems stretch, it wants more light.

Pot and mix

NC State recommends growing lemon balm in a container because it self-seeds and spreads by rhizomes (NC State Extension), so a pot suits it well. Illinois Extension asks for soil that is moist but well drained (Illinois Extension), and the RHS warns that it suffers in cold, soggy conditions that can rot the roots (RHS). Maryland's indoor mix of two parts soilless potting mix to one part perlite gives good drainage (UMD Extension), and we always use a pot with a hole in the base.

Watering and feeding

Unlike thyme and sage, lemon balm prefers its mix a little more evenly moist. The RHS says plants in containers will need watering to keep the compost moist (RHS). We water when the surface starts to dry and never leave the pot sitting in water. Penn State suggests a low dose of water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks (Penn State Extension), and Iowa State uses half or quarter strength (Iowa State Extension).

Penn State recommends indoor temperatures of at least 65 to 70°F by day and 55 to 60°F at night (Penn State Extension).

Starting lemon balm

Illinois Extension says lemon balm can be grown from seed, division or stem cuttings (Illinois Extension). The RHS sows indoors in spring, covers the seed only lightly because some light aids germination, and says seedlings can take up to three weeks to appear (RHS). The RHS also suggests sowing only a few seeds, since one or two plants is probably enough for most uses (RHS). If you'd like seeds, here are organic lemon balm seeds from Botanical Interests.

Keeping it in check

Lemon balm is vigorous. The RHS says it can form a large clump in just a few years (RHS). Illinois Extension explains that while mint spreads by underground stems, lemon balm spreads mainly by setting lots of seed, so it recommends cutting off flower stalks before they set seed (Illinois Extension). Illinois also thins plants in midsummer to improve air flow (Illinois Extension). Indoors, regular harvesting does most of this work for us. Illinois lists 'Compacta' as a more compact, sterile form whose flowers don't set viable seed (Illinois Extension).

Harvesting for tea

The RHS picks the youngest leaves through spring and summer and says the plant regrows quickly; it also notes that dried leaves make a much milder tea than fresh (RHS). Clemson's herbal tea advice is to prune regularly but never take more than one-third of the plant at a time, and to harvest in the early morning after the dew has dried (Clemson HGIC). NC State notes that unpruned plants tend to get weedy (NC State Extension), so frequent small harvests keep it tidy. Our pruning guide shows where to cut on soft-stemmed herbs.

Pets

The ASPCA lists lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA).

Common problems

Leggy stems and weak scent

This is a light problem (Penn State Extension). Move it closer to the window or add a light, then cut it back so it branches. See why indoor herbs get leggy.

Spider mites

Iowa State flags pests such as spider mites for lemon balm indoors (Iowa State Extension). Our pest control guide covers what to do.

Yellowing with wet mix

Soggy compost can rot the roots (RHS). Let the pot drain fully and water a little less often.

Lemon balm grows a lot like its relative mint. For another lemony plant, see regrowing lemongrass from stalks, or find a guide by plant.

Sources

All sources accessed October 20, 2026. This guide is about growing lemon balm as a kitchen herb and is not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Does lemon balm need full sun indoors?

No. Penn State Extension lists lemon balm among herbs that tolerate low light and need only 2 to 6 hours of direct sun, and Illinois Extension says it grows in full sun to partial shade. A grow light still helps in winter.

How often should I water lemon balm?

Keep the mix lightly moist but not soggy. The RHS says container plants need watering to keep the compost moist, and also warns that cold, soggy conditions can rot the roots. Use a pot with a drainage hole.

Will lemon balm take over?

It can outdoors. The RHS says it can form a large clump in a few years, and Illinois Extension says it spreads mainly by seed, so cut off flower stalks before they set seed. A pot keeps it contained.

How do I harvest lemon balm for tea?

Pick the youngest leaves. Clemson Extension suggests never taking more than one-third of the plant at a time and harvesting in the morning after the dew dries. The RHS notes dried leaves make a milder tea than fresh.

Is lemon balm safe for cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists lemon balm as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.