How to Propagate Lemon Balm From Cuttings and Division

Lemon balm’s vigorous growth and pleasant, citrus-like fragrance make it a favorite in many gardens. This member of the mint family is valued for its culinary uses and its tendency to spread readily. This growth habit makes expanding your supply a straightforward process, allowing gardeners to create new plants from a single parent.

Preparing for Lemon Balm Propagation

Timing is an important factor for successful propagation. The ideal window for taking cuttings or dividing plants is from late spring through early summer. During this period, the plant is in active growth, meaning stems have the energy reserves needed to produce new roots and recover from being divided.

Before starting, gather your supplies. You will need a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors, small pots about 3-4 inches in diameter with drainage holes, and a well-draining potting mix. A mix containing perlite or sand is suitable for encouraging healthy root development. Sanitizing your tools with rubbing alcohol prevents the spread of disease.

Propagating Lemon Balm Step-by-Step

From Stem Cuttings

Select a healthy, non-flowering shoot from the parent plant. An ideal cutting is about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from a vigorous section of new growth. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, the small bump on the stem where leaves emerge, as this area contains a high concentration of cells that encourage rooting.

Once you have your cutting, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. This prevents them from rotting in the rooting medium and directs the cutting’s energy toward root production. For an increased chance of success, you can dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder, though lemon balm often roots readily without it.

You can root the prepared cutting in either water or soil. To root in water, place the stem in a jar of clean water, ensuring the remaining leaves are above the waterline. If using soil, insert the cutting about 1-2 inches deep into a pot filled with moist potting mix. Position the new cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light.

By Division

Division is a suitable method for mature lemon balm plants that have become overgrown or less productive in their center. This process is best performed on a cool, overcast day to minimize stress on the plant. Start by digging around the entire clump with a garden fork or spade, giving it a wide berth to avoid damaging the root system.

After loosening the soil, lift the entire root ball out of the ground. Gently shake off excess soil so you can clearly see the root structure and natural points of separation. The goal is to identify sections that have a healthy mass of roots and several strong stems attached.

Using your hands, a sharp spade, or a garden knife, pull or cut the clump into smaller divisions. Each new section should have a robust root system and at least a few healthy stems to establish itself. These new clumps can be immediately replanted in a different garden spot or potted up.

Caring for New Lemon Balm Plants

Proper aftercare is important for the survival and establishment of your new lemon balm plants. New plants need consistent moisture to develop strong root systems. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.

Place your newly propagated plants in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can scorch the delicate leaves and stress the young plant as it works to establish its roots. A spot near a window with filtered light or in a sheltered area of the garden is ideal for the first few weeks.

Cuttings rooted in soil will develop a root system within 3-4 weeks, which you can test by gently tugging on the stem to feel for resistance. Plants started in water are ready for soil once their roots are about an inch long. For divided plants, new leaf growth is a clear indicator that they have successfully established themselves.