Mint vs. Lemon Balm: Which Herb Should You Grow?
If you're planning an herb garden, two plants are almost guaranteed to catch your attention: mint and lemon balm.
Both are members of the mint family, both are easy to grow, and both make delicious herbal teas. Because they're closely related, many people assume they're nearly identical.
While they do share some similarities, mint and lemon balm each have their own unique personality in the garden, the kitchen, and around the home.
So which one should you grow?
The answer might just be...both.
They're Cousins, Not Twins
Although they belong to the same botanical family (Lamiaceae), mint and lemon balm are different plants.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Soft, heart-shaped leaves
- Gentle lemon fragrance
- Small white flowers
- Bushy growth habit
Mint (Mentha species)
- Smooth, pointed leaves
- Cool minty aroma
- Purple, pink, or white flowers depending on the variety
- Upright stems with vigorous underground runners
Their family resemblance is easy to see, but each offers something different.
Fragrance
One of the biggest differences is their scent.
Lemon Balm
When you rub the leaves between your fingers, you'll notice:
- Fresh citrus notes
- A hint of sweetness
- Soft herbal aroma
Mint
Mint is:
- Crisp
- Cooling
- Bold
- Instantly recognizable
Both smell wonderful, but they create completely different experiences in the garden.
Flavor
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a delicate flavor that many people describe as:
- Light
- Mild
- Citrusy
- Smooth
Mint
Mint offers:
- Cool freshness
- Strong herbal flavor
- Slight natural sweetness
- A refreshing finish
Many herbal tea drinkers enjoy blending the two together.
Growing Habits
This is where the biggest difference appears.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm spreads mainly by self-seeding.
It grows into a bushy clump and is generally easy to manage with occasional trimming.
Mint
Mint spreads through underground runners called rhizomes.
Without some form of control, it can quickly travel through garden beds and pop up in unexpected places.
Many gardeners grow mint in containers specifically to prevent spreading.
Which Is Easier to Control?
Lemon balm usually wins.
Because it spreads mostly by seed, gardeners can often keep it in check simply by:
- Harvesting regularly
- Removing flower heads before seeds mature
- Pulling volunteer seedlings
Mint often requires more planning because of its underground growth.
Pollinators
Both herbs attract beneficial insects.
Lemon balm is especially loved by honeybees.
Mint flowers also attract:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Beneficial insects
Either plant is an excellent addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
Tea
Both herbs make wonderful herbal teas.
Lemon Balm Tea
Offers:
- Gentle citrus flavor
- Mild herbal character
- Naturally caffeine-free refreshment
Mint Tea
Offers:
- Bold mint flavor
- Cooling finish
- Refreshing aroma
Many people enjoy combining them into one delicious herbal blend.
Culinary Uses
Lemon Balm
Excellent in:
- Lemonade
- Fruit salads
- Herbal tea
- Infused water
- Desserts
- Herbal syrups
Mint
Perfect for:
- Mojitos
- Iced tea
- Mediterranean dishes
- Fruit salads
- Sauces
- Chocolate desserts
Both herbs have plenty of room in the kitchen.
Growing in Containers
If you're gardening in a small space, both herbs grow well in containers.
Container gardening helps:
- Keep plants manageable
- Simplify harvesting
- Prevent unwanted spreading
- Add greenery to patios and decks
It's a great option for beginning herb gardeners.
Can You Plant Them Together?
Yes—but with a little planning.
If growing both in the same garden bed:
- Give each plant enough space.
- Harvest regularly.
- Watch for volunteer seedlings.
- Consider growing mint in its own container.
This keeps each herb healthy without allowing one to dominate the other.
Which Herb Should You Choose?
Choose lemon balm if you want:
- Easy-to-manage growth
- A gentle citrus aroma
- Pollinator-friendly flowers
- A versatile herbal tea
- A hardy perennial
Choose mint if you love:
- Strong mint flavor
- Refreshing summer drinks
- Classic culinary uses
- Fast-growing herbs
Many gardeners discover that having both provides the best of both worlds.
How We Enjoy Lemon Balm at Calhoun Farmstead
Although we enjoy many herbs, lemon balm continues to be one of our favorites.
Its cheerful growth, fresh fragrance, and beautiful pollinator blooms make it a pleasure to harvest throughout the summer. We carefully dry much of our harvest for our handcrafted Lemon Balm Loose-Leaf Tea, while other harvests are incorporated into our Lemon Balm Salve and Lemon Balm Lip Oil.
It's one of those herbs that earns its place in the garden year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lemon balm a type of mint?
No. Lemon balm belongs to the mint family, but it is its own distinct species.
Which spreads faster?
Mint usually spreads much more aggressively because it grows through underground runners.
Can I drink both as tea?
Absolutely. Both herbs make delicious herbal teas individually or blended together.
Which attracts more pollinators?
Both are excellent pollinator plants, although lemon balm has long been associated with attracting honeybees.
Which is better for beginners?
Both are beginner-friendly, but lemon balm is often easier to manage in the garden.
Final Thoughts
Mint and lemon balm are two of the most rewarding herbs you can grow.
Each brings its own fragrance, flavor, and personality to the garden. Whether you're brewing tea, creating homemade recipes, supporting pollinators, or simply enjoying the beauty of fresh herbs, you really can't go wrong with either one.
If you have the space, plant both—you'll enjoy a garden that's as fragrant as it is productive, with plenty of fresh herbs to harvest all season long.
Explore Related Products
Interested in incorporating lemon balm into your daily routine? Explore our collection of handcrafted products inspired by traditional herbal practices and natural living. From soothing herbal teas to botanical body care, each product is thoughtfully crafted in small batches using quality ingredients and a love for simple, nature-inspired wellness.
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Continue Your Lemon Balm Journey
If you enjoyed learning about lemon balm, explore more articles in our complete Lemon Balm educational series.
Growing Lemon Balm
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Lemon Balm: Benefits, Uses, Growing Tips, Recipes, and More
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How to Grow Lemon Balm
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Is Lemon Balm Easy to Grow?
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Does Lemon Balm Come Back Every Year?
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Does Lemon Balm Spread?
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Companion Plants for Lemon Balm
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Why Bees Love Lemon Balm
Harvesting & Preserving
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When to Harvest Lemon Balm
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How to Dry Lemon Balm
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Fresh vs. Dried Lemon Balm
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How to Store Dried Lemon Balm
Recipes & Everyday Uses
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How to Make Lemon Balm Tea
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Lemon Balm Lemonade Recipe
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Lemon Balm Simple Syrup
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Creative Ways to Use Fresh Lemon Balm
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Herbs That Pair Well with Lemon Balm
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