How to Grow Lemon Balm All Gold
Lemon Balm All Gold
Melissa officinalis 'All Gold'
herbLemon Balm All Gold is a golden-foliaged cultivar of the classic lemon balm herb, prized for its vibrant yellow leaves and intensely lemony aroma. This perennial mint-family member produces small white flowers attractive to pollinators and maintains its cheerful color throughout the growing season. It's an excellent choice for container growing and adds ornamental value to herb gardens while remaining fully functional for culinary and medicinal uses.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; most vibrant color in zones 5-8
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Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny green cotyledons emerge; golden tint appears as true leaves develop
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light (grow lights 3-4 inches above seedlings). Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Maintain 65-70°F temperature
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksGolden-yellow foliage develops; plant becomes bushy with multiple stems and leaves
Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent early flowering. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced 10-10-10 or half-strength fertilizer. Ensure adequate light for color development
Flowering
8-12 weeksDelicate white to pale pink flowers bloom in loose whorls along stems; foliage remains golden
Pinch off flower buds if you want to extend the tender leaf harvest period. Deadheading diverts energy to foliage production. Leave some flowers for pollinators. Flowering typically begins mid to late summer
Seed Development
3-4 weeksTiny seed capsules form where flowers were; they dry and brown naturally
Allow some flowers to mature for seed collection if desired. Seeds are small and require cold stratification (30 days at 40°F) for better germination next season. Harvest seed heads when completely dry
Dormancy/Overwintering
4-5 months (November-April in most regions)Above-ground foliage dies back in late fall; roots survive underground in cold climates
Cut plant back to 4-6 inches in late fall. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of straw or compost for protection in zones 3-5. In containers, move to unheated garage or bury pots in soil. New growth emerges in spring
Common Pests
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Spray with water to increase humidity. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases. Ensure good air circulation
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab for light infestations. Use neem oil or horticultural soap for widespread problems
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Yellow sticky traps to monitor and control. Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide. Remove severely affected leaves
Uses
Teas and Beverages
CulinaryFresh or dried leaves make a delicious lemon-flavored herbal tea known for its refreshing and calming properties. The golden leaves add visual appeal to iced teas, lemonades, and cocktails. Steep 1 tablespoon fresh leaves per cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes [source]
Cooking & Flavoring
CulinaryUse fresh leaves to flavor desserts, sauces, fish dishes, and fruit salads. The vibrant golden foliage makes an attractive edible garnish. Chop fresh for vinaigrettes or compound butters [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalLemon balm has been used for centuries in herbal medicine to support relaxation, digestion, and overall wellness. Contains rosmarinic acid and other polyphenol compounds with antioxidant and calming properties. Traditionally used to ease nervous tension and promote restful sleep [source]
Aromatic & Fragrance
HouseholdDried leaves add fragrant appeal to potpourri, sachets, and herbal mixtures. Fresh leaves can be infused in oil or vinegar for household cleaning products with natural antimicrobial properties. The lemon scent naturally repels some insects [source]
Pollinator Garden
WildlifeThe delicate white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it excellent for pollinator gardens. Supports early and late-season foragers when nectar sources are limited [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting leaves once plant has 4-6 leaf sets (4-6 weeks from transplanting). Pinch off top 1-2 inches of stems in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and aroma. Harvest regularly to encourage bushiness. Can harvest 2-3 times per season. For drying, cut stems just before flowering and hang in bundles in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area. Leaves are most aromatic in early morning
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'All Gold' cultivar was selected and developed specifically for its bright golden foliage, which becomes more vivid with increased sunlight—this ornamental feature makes it more popular in modern gardens than the green-leaved standard variety
- 🌱 Lemon balm has been cultivated since ancient times and was mentioned by the Greek physician Dioscorides; medieval monks grew it in monastery gardens for both medicinal and spiritual purposes
- 🌱 The plant is a prolific self-seeder; if you allow flowers to mature, you may find volunteer lemon balm seedlings throughout your garden the following year—though the All Gold cultivar may revert to green-leaved offspring
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