Lemon balm cultivation: from sowing seeds for seedlings to harvesting
The aromatic herb is an amazing addition to tea and an effective antidepressant. Although the culture is unpretentious to care for, the cultivation of lemon balm is associated with some of the intricacies of its agricultural technology. To make the herbaceous plant more resistant to harsh weather conditions and heavy types of soil, it is planted through seedlings. This procedure is especially relevant for residents of the northern and central regions of Russia.
Both seedlings and seeds are transferred to open ground in mid or late May. Therefore, you need to count 2-3 weeks from this date in order to sow seeds for seedlings. Sowing operations most often fall on April 25th.
Growing lemon balm is a 2.5 month long journey
A small food container is prepared first. Then the reservoir and soil substrate are disinfected with boiling water or potassium permanganate solution. Having filled the container with nutrient soil, they begin sowing:
- using a spray gun, they moisten the earth with high quality;
- the seeds are spread over the surface using a toothpick;
- they are not buried, but simply pressed a little into the substrate;
- then the soil is irrigated again;
- cover with a lid;
- put in a warm and bright place.
Optimal conditions for seed germination are 20-25˚С. At night, the temperature can drop to 15˚С. Thanks to this microclimate, the first shoots will appear in the mine-greenhouse after a week.
The main requirement for growing lemon balm in this way is regular and timely watering.
Planting seedlings in open ground
This grass needs space, so some people practice planting it away from other crops. Also, the site should be well lit. At this place, a bed is prepared with a fairly loose, fertile soil.
Take out the seedlings from the container, carefully separating each seedling. After that, a number of simple procedures are carried out:
- distribute seedlings at a distance of 7-10 cm;
- make small indentations;
- after immersing the sprout in the ground, press it a little near the roots;
- mulch a garden bed to prevent the root system from drying out and washing away the rhizome;
- at the end, watered again.
Melissa tolerates transplants very well. Moreover, the spice plant is excellently cultivated in different regions of Russia, and also grows on many types of soil.
By the beginning of July, the height of the grass shoots will reach 30 cm. It is at this time that the leaves can be collected. With ordinary scissors, cut off the top of the branches. If the grower plans to get a good harvest next year, then the plant should be fed. A liquid or granular complex fertilizer is applied under the bush, but only in small quantities. In hot periods of summer, the site is watered almost daily. At the same time, loosening of the soil is carried out and large weeds are removed in a timely manner. If the cultivation of lemon balm is carried out in the right way, then in one season it is possible to collect up to 2-3 harvests.