How to Grow Lemon Balm 'All Gold'
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Lemon Balm 'All Gold'
Melissa officinalis 'All Gold'
herbLemon Balm 'All Gold' is a vibrant golden-yellow variety of the classic lemon balm herb, prized for its bright foliage and intensely lemony fragrance and flavor. This perennial mint-family plant is easy to grow and produces small white or pale pink flowers in summer. The golden coloring makes it an attractive ornamental addition to herb gardens, borders, and containers.
When should you plant Lemon Balm 'All Gold' in your zone?
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Example Lemon Balm 'All Gold' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lemon Balm 'All Gold'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lemon Balm 'All Gold'
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lemon Balm 'All Gold' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best color retention in zones 5-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny golden seedlings with 2-4 true leaves; delicate and bright yellow-green
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light; thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct sowing
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with distinctive golden-yellow leaves and expanding root system; becomes a mounding shape
Pinch back tops to encourage bushier growth; water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks; golden color is most vibrant with adequate sunlight
Flowering
6-10 weeks (mid-summer through early fall)Small white, pale pink, or purple-tinged flowers appear in loose whorls along stems; fragrant and attractive to pollinators
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more leaf production and prevent excessive self-seeding; can leave some flowers for bees and butterflies
Peak Harvest
2-3 monthsPlant is mature and full-sized with abundant golden foliage and continuous flowering; ready for heavy harvesting
Cut stems frequently for culinary use; this encourages bushier growth; harvest in morning after dew dries for best flavor
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe; increase humidity
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray every 7 days
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Remove by hand; spray with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; neem oil or horticultural oil
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution; remove affected leaves
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and
Hand-pick; use copper tape around pots; beer traps; diatomaceous earth around base
Uses
Herbal teas and beverages
CulinaryFresh or dried leaves brew into a soothing lemon-flavored tea that aids digestion and provides a caffeine-free beverage. Add to cocktails, lemonades, and cold drinks for natural lemon flavor without acidity. [source]
Cooking and garnishing
CulinaryUse fresh golden leaves to flavor desserts, fish dishes, poultry, and salads. The ornamental foliage makes an attractive garnish for plates and beverages. [source]
Digestive and calming properties
MedicinalTraditionally used to soothe digestive upset, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Contains rosmarinic acid and other beneficial compounds with antioxidant properties. [source]
Natural aromatics and fragrance
HouseholdFresh leaves can be placed in drawers, potpourri, or dried arrangements to provide a pleasant lemony scent throughout the home. Used historically as a strewing herb. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeFlowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting garden pollinator populations and ecosystem health. [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 4-6 weeks after planting once plant has 6-8 leaves. Pinch off leaves and branch tips regularly to encourage bushiness. For best flavor, harvest in early morning after dew dries. Cut no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Continuous harvesting actually improves plant vigor. Strip leaves from stems for fresh use, or hang-dry entire sprigs in bundles. The golden leaves retain their bright color even after drying.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'All Gold' variety is prized by gardeners specifically for its consistent bright yellow foliage that doesn't fade to green like standard lemon balm, making it a superior ornamental choice.
- 🌱 Lemon balm has been cultivated since ancient times and was a favorite of medieval monks, who grew it in monastery gardens for its calming properties and lemon fragrance.
- 🌱 A single lemon balm plant can self-seed prolifically, spreading throughout a garden if flowers are allowed to go to seed—so deadheading is recommended unless you want it to spread naturally.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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