Lemon Mint is a perennial plant native to Mexico and southern America. With us, this perennial is grown as an annual. This is because it isn't hardy in our Dutch climate. It is also called Lemon Beebalm and Purple Horsemint. Lemon Mint is a member of the Lipflower family (Lamiaceae) just like: Deadnettle, Nettle, Lavender, Catmint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon balm, Marjoram, Basil, Sage, Savory, Thyme and Creeping Thyme. This wonderfully fragrant plant can be used both culinary and as herbal medicine. This plant blooms in stages with purple-pink flowers and the leaves have a lovely lemony scent and aroma. The leaf can be used for tea, potpourri and in all kinds of dishes such as: stews, soups, sauces and herb butter. The leaves are best harvested before the plant flowers. The leaves can be used for herbal tea, with meat and fish dishes. In natural medicine, Lemon Mint is used for its digestive benefits, its relaxing properties and its anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon Mint is also an essential component of Earl Grey tea.
Lemon Mint is an attractive addition to any herb garden, but can also be grown in a large pot. This is great for people who don't have a garden but would like to grow their own Lemon Mint. This lemon-scented plant blooms with light purple-red flowers. Lemon Mint is best placed in a sunny spot, but light shade is no problem. Place the plant in a nutrient-rich, moist spot with well-drained soil. Never let the plant dry out and water sufficiently in case of drought. Lemon Mint is also used to make oil. Lemon Mint is a plant much loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. This plant can also be used as a cut flower. Lemon bergamot blooms from June to October. This plant loses its leaves in winter. In our Dutch climate, this plant is an annual. Non hardy perennial. Height: 50 - 75 cm.
Indoor sowing: March - April
Outdoor sowing: April - May
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 17 - 22 °C
Sowing depth: 3 mm
Plant distance: 30 - 60 cm
Plant position: full sun till light shade
Flowering period: June - October
Harvest period: May - June
Sow indoors from March in trays filled with moist potting soil. Sow thinly and shallowly, gently pressing the seeds into the soil. Don't cover, as Lemon Mint is a light germinator. Keep the seeds moist, light and warm. Harden off the seedlings from mid-April for about 10 - 14 days by putting them in the sun during the day. After this, from late April, when there is no chance of night frost, the seedlings can be put outside in a sunny place. Keep about 30 - 60 cm space. Keep well moist and weed-free.
Sow outdoors from mid-April, as soon as there is no more chance of night frost. Provide a sunny spot with good drainage. Sow the seeds thinly and shallowly. Carefully rake them into the soil and press down well. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out at 30 - 60 cm. Provide a sunny spot with a little shade in the afternoon. Keep the soil well moist as this plant does not tolerate drought well. Lemon Mint should be harvested regularly to encourage new leaf growth. The harvesting period from May - June can be extended. Remove dead flowers regularly to enjoy your plant for longer. Also remove dead flowers to prevent this plant from self-seeding. This beautiful flower blooms from June - October.
