Lemon Balm is a unique crop in the microgreen world. Lemon Balm is a slower growing herb that requires a little more patience. However, with the right care, it produces a stunning, fragrant leaf that is popular in markets and elevates home cooking.
Here is everything you need to know to grow lush, healthy Lemon Balm microgreens at home.
What You’ll Need:
- Seeds: High-quality Lemon Balm seeds (available at Ausallium).
- Medium: A fine, well-draining mix is best. We recommend a seed-raising mix or fine coconut coir.
- Tray: A shallow tray with drainage holes.
- Light: A sunny windowsill or grow lights (crucial for this crop).
- Patience - these take longer than your average radish!
The Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Medium: Fill your tray with your chosen growing medium, ensuring it is level. Lemon Balm seeds are tiny, so a smooth surface is important. Moisten the soil thoroughly but ensure it isn't waterlogged.
- Sow the Seeds: Scatter the seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. Aim for a moderate density - too crowded, and you risk mould issues during the long growing cycle; too sparse, and you won't get a good yield. Tip: Do not cover the seeds with soil. Lemon Balm seeds benefit from light to germinate, though a very light dusting of vermiculite can help retain moisture without blocking light.
- Germination (The "Blackout" Phase): Mist the seeds gently. Cover the tray with a humidity dome or another tray to keep moisture in. Place in a warm spot (20–24°C is ideal). Seeds typically germinate between 10–14 days. Check these seeds daily; they must stay moist. Mist them daily if the medium feels dry, but avoid soaking them.
- Light and Growth: Once tiny sprouts appear and start to shed their hulls, remove the cover and move them immediately to a light source. Lemon Balm grows slowly, so ensure they get plenty of light to prevent them from becoming leggy.
- Watering: Bottom watering is highly recommended once the roots are established. This keeps the delicate leaves dry and prevents fungal issues.
- Growing: Lemon Balm microgreens typically take 25–30 days to reach harvest size. Keep the medium consistently moist (but not wet) and ensure good airflow around the tray.
- Harvest: when the first set of "true leaves" (the jagged, mint-like leaves) have fully formed and the plants are about 3–5 cm tall. Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut just above the soil line.
Start growing lemon blam today - shop at Ausallium for all your microgreen seed needs.
