Fresh lemon balm hung to dry for later use. / Public Domain

Learn how to harvest and dry lemon balm so you can enjoy its calming scent and gentle benefits all year long.

By Sergio Toledo
Editor-in-Chief, Heed to Heal

Introduction

One of the joys of growing lemon balm is knowing that its calming scent and gentle benefits don’t have to fade with the season. When you harvest and dry the leaves, you can enjoy their soothing aroma and flavor long after the plant has stopped producing fresh growth. Whether you use it for tea, self-care rituals, or simply to bring a fresh scent into your home, preserving lemon balm allows its quiet comfort to stay with you throughout the year.

Drying lemon balm isn’t complicated. In fact, it can become a peaceful ritual on its own. The process involves slowing down, handling the leaves gently, and setting them aside to dry in a way that keeps their natural oils and fragrance intact. With a little care, you can build a small supply that’s ready whenever you want a calming cup of tea or a moment of stillness.

Harvesting at the right time and drying properly ensures that the leaves hold their delicate citrus-mint aroma. Once stored well, they can keep their scent and flavor for months, ready to bring a sense of calm whenever needed.

When and How to Harvest

The best time to harvest lemon balm is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too strong. Lemon balm is at its most fragrant in late spring through early summer, right before it begins to flower. This is when the leaves hold the highest concentration of their natural oils, which gives them their calming scent and taste. While you can harvest later in the season, the leaves may have a softer scent and flavor. Harvesting early not only gives you the best quality but also allows the plant to regrow, offering more throughout the season. Select stems that look healthy and vibrant, avoiding any that appear damaged or discolored.

You can use clean scissors or garden shears to cut just above a set of leaves. This method encourages new growth, allowing your plant to keep producing through the season. Be gentle with the leaves when handling them, as they can bruise easily, and bruising may reduce their scent.

Some people like to harvest a little at a time, while others prefer to do a larger cutting to build up a supply. Either way works. The important thing is to handle the herb carefully so the leaves stay full of their natural oils and aroma.

Drying Lemon Balm Gently

Once harvested, drying the leaves slowly helps preserve their scent and flavor. One simple way is to bundle a few stems together, tie them with twine, and hang them upside down in a dry, shaded place with good airflow. Direct sunlight can fade both the scent and the vibrant green color, so it’s best to choose a cool, shaded area.

Another option is to lay the leaves flat on a clean drying rack or mesh screen. This allows air to circulate around them, which helps them dry evenly. If you prefer, a food dehydrator on the lowest setting can also work well, as long as the heat isn’t too intense. The key is patience—drying too quickly can cause the leaves to lose their delicate oils.

The leaves are ready when they feel crisp but still fragrant. At this stage, they should crumble easily between your fingers without feeling damp. This careful drying process allows the scent to remain soft and natural, just as it was on the plant.

Storing for Later Use

Once your lemon balm is fully dry, it’s important to store it in a way that preserves its aroma. An airtight glass jar kept in a cool, dark place works well. Avoid plastic containers, as they can cause the scent to fade more quickly. If stored properly, dried lemon balm can keep its fragrance and flavor for several months.

It’s best to store the leaves whole rather than crushed. Crushing them too early releases their oils, causing the scent to fade faster. You can crumble the leaves just before using them in tea, infusions, or other calming rituals. A little bit goes a long way, especially when it’s been carefully dried and stored.

Every time you open the jar, the scent of lemon balm can feel like a quiet reminder of the garden it came from. It carries a piece of summer’s warmth into cooler seasons, creating a small, calming moment each time you use it.

References

  • Gladstar, Rosemary. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing, 2012.
  • Bone, Kerry. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone, 2013.
  • Bremness, Lesley. The Complete Book of Herbs. Viking Studio Books, 1994.

Originally published by Heed to Heal, 10.13.2025, under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International license.