The optimal harvest date is shortly before flowering
In May planted Lemon balm aims to flower for the first time from June. In the days before the white flowers unfold, the aroma content in the foliage is at its highest. During and after flowering, the taste decreases significantly as the plant now concentrates on the growth of the seed heads. At the appointment itself, the time of day comes into focus:
- Harvest lemon balm early in the morning when the dew has evaporated
- ideally it had rained two days before or the plant was watered
- Use sharp scissors to cut the branches about 10 centimeters above the ground
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- Harvest lemon balm properly - the timing is important
- Harvest lemon balm seeds and prepare them perfectly for sowing
- Browse through the small company of lemon balm species
The lemon herb sprouts vigorously from the remaining shoot. One prudent well-groomed The plant accomplishes this feat up to 4 times per season before going into the Winter break swings in.
Store surplus harvest cleverly - this is how it works
If the crop yield exceeds all expectations, the question of suitable storage arises. There are divergent methods of Preservation to choose from, which score with individual advantages. We have put together an overview of the most important procedures below:
- Lemon balm leaves individually freeze
- freeze in the ice cube tray
- dry in the oven
- air dry
- dry in the dehydrator
- soak in wine or apple cider vinegar
The experts agree that freezing preserves the greatest aroma content. If you prefer to use lemon balm as a medicinal herb, the dry method can be considered. The essential oils evaporate, but the healing powers are well preserved when dry.
Tips & Tricks
Another scented and medicinal plant is known under the name of gold balm. This is also a mint family, but it is assigned to a different genus. Who both Lemon balm species want to cultivate in the garden, assigns them different locations. Lemon balm and gold balm do not get along as plant neighbors.
