Organic Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm - Mellissa officinalis

Perennial Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family and has fragrant lemon-scented leaves and clusters of small white flowers that are attractive to bees. Lemon Balm's botanical name "Melissa" is Greek for "honey bee". The leaves can be used for flavoring teas, ice cream, fruit or in pesto and also have medicinal qualities. Lemon Balm is often included in sachets and potpourris.

Did You Know? Lemon Balm is used as a flavoring in some toothpastes.

Soil Temperature: 70°F
Planting Depth: 1/8"
Germination: 14-21 Days
Height At Maturity: 24"-36"
Sun/Shade: Partial Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 12"-15"
Approx Seeds per Pack: 100 Seeds

• Attracts Bees/Butterflies
• Attracts Hummingbirds
• Container Compatible
• Does Not Require Support
• Good for Drying
• Open-Pollinated
• Plant Spreads
• Requires Summer Water
• Shade Tolerant

Characteristics

USDA Growing Zone: Certified Organic Product

Approximate Harvest Time : Early Fall

Approximate Harvest Time : Early Summer

Approximate Harvest Time : Late Fall

Approximate Harvest Time : Late Summer

Growth Habit : Upright

Life Cycle : Perennial

Plant Usage : Attracts Bees/Butterflies

Plant Usage : Attracts Beneficial Insects

Plant Usage : Attracts Birds

Plant Usage : Culinary Herb

Plant Usage : Medicinal Plant

Planting Time : Spring

Seed Unit Sizes : Seed Pack

Soil pH : 6.1 - 6.5

Soil pH : 6.6 - 7.0

Soil pH : 7.1 - 7.5

Starting Location : Direct Sow

Starting Location : Start Indoors & Transplant

Sun Requirements : Full Sun/Part Sun

Useful Plant Part : Leaves

Planting & Care

Soil and Water: Lemon Balm does best in well-drained sandy soil with moderate watering.

Planting and Growing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Lemon Balm grows in USDA zones 4-9 but will need well drained, sandy soil and a winter mulch to survive in colder zones. It readily self-seeds and clumps will expand over time.

Harvesting and Storage: Leaves can be harvested at any time, but best flavor is from leaves harvested before the plant flowers and used fresh. Leaves can also be dried flat or hung, frozen in ice cube trays with water or processed in a dehydrator.

Guarantee

Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply brand vegetable seeds are guaranteed to germinate. Once the seeds have sprouted, please understand that Peaceful Valley cannot be held responsible for the many uncontrollable growing and climatic conditions that must be met to ensure the success of your crop(s).