Mint
Mentha
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Mint vs Lemon Balm: Vigorous Herbs for Container Growing
Comparing mint and lemon balm for container gardens. Learn which aromatic herb is better for your tea garden and growing conditions.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🍃Mint | 🍋Lemon Balm | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | easy | Tie |
| Days to Harvest | 90 days | 70 days | Mint |
| Container Size | 8 inch pot | 8 inch pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | partial sun | partial sun | - |
| Water Needs | high | moderate | - |
| Yield | Similar | Similar | Tie |
| Beginner-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Tie |
Key Differences
Flavor Profile
Cool, menthol, refreshing. Classic mint flavor.
Citrusy, lemony, mild. More subtle than mint.
Invasiveness
Extremely invasive. Spreads via aggressive runners.
Very invasive. Spreads by roots and self-seeding.
Primary Uses
Mojitos, mint tea, desserts, Middle Eastern cuisine.
Calming tea, aromatherapy, lemon flavor in cooking.
Pollinator Appeal
Attracts butterflies and bees when flowering.
Highly attractive to bees. Excellent bee plant.
Medicinal Uses
Digestive aid, headache relief, cooling sensation.
Calming, sleep aid, stress relief, anti-anxiety.
Light Tolerance
Tolerates partial shade to full sun.
Thrives in partial shade. More shade-tolerant.
Best for Mint
Choose Mint if:
- You love mojitos and mint tea
- You want classic spearmint or peppermint flavor
- You prefer intense, cooling flavor
- You make Middle Eastern dishes
- You want the most vigorous growth
Best for Lemon Balm
Choose Lemon Balm if:
- You prefer citrusy, calming flavor
- You make relaxing herbal teas
- You want milder, lemony taste
- You enjoy aromatherapy herbs
- You want to attract bees
Can They Grow Together?
No, keep them separate
Mint and lemon balm are both in the mint family and both spread aggressively. Never plant together - they will compete viciously. Each needs its own dedicated container to prevent one from overtaking the other.
The Bottom Line
Mint
Choose mint for classic cooling flavor, mojitos and mint tea, Middle Eastern cooking, and intense menthol refreshment.
Lemon Balm
Choose lemon balm for calming citrus flavor, relaxing herbal teas, aromatherapy benefits, and attracting bees to your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Mint or Lemon Balm?
Both Mint and Lemon Balm are equally easy to grow in containers with similar care requirements.
Which grows faster: Mint or Lemon Balm?
Mint reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 90 days compared to 70 days for Lemon Balm.
Can I grow Mint and Lemon Balm together?
No, it's not recommended. Mint and lemon balm are both in the mint family and both spread aggressively. Never plant together - they will compete viciously. Each needs its own dedicated container to prevent one from overtaking the other.
Which needs less space: Mint or Lemon Balm?
Both Mint and Lemon Balm have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Mint or Lemon Balm?
Both Mint and Lemon Balm produce comparable yields when grown in proper conditions.
Which is better for beginners: Mint or Lemon Balm?
Both Mint and Lemon Balm are excellent choices for beginners with similar difficulty levels.
What are the main differences between Mint and Lemon Balm?
The key differences include: flavor profile, invasiveness, primary uses. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Mint or Lemon Balm for my balcony?
Choose mint for classic cooling flavor, mojitos and mint tea, Middle Eastern cooking, and intense menthol refreshment. Choose lemon balm for calming citrus flavor, relaxing herbal teas, aromatherapy benefits, and attracting bees to your garden. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Mint Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Mint in containers.
Complete Lemon Balm Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Lemon Balm in containers.
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