Grow a garden filled with the aromatic Lemon Balm herb, from freshly harvested Melissa officinalis seeds. Lemon Balm is a highly sought after herb, used mainly for its leaves. The leaves can be consumed in salads or crushed up and added to many teas as well. The plants grow to a mature height of roughly 12 to 24 inches tall, and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Lemon Balm plants will produce small white flowers, during the summer months. These flowers can Attract all sorts of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and even hummingbirds as well.
Lemon Balm is categorized as a perennial flowering herb, which produces year after year. The plants grow quickly in the first season, establishing a deep root system to later return after the frost has passed. Flowers for the Lemon Balm herb may not appear until the second successful growing season.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Perennial
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green Leaves
- Height: 12″ to 24″ Tall
- Width: 12″ to 18″ Spread
- Harvest: 70 Days
- Uses: Culinary / Medicinal
- Environment: Full Sunlight
Sowing The Seed
Lemon Balm can be grown indoors or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/16” under topsoil so that direct light can reach them. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm & all danger of frost passes. Check below for spacing and growth habits.
Growing Conditions
Lemon Balm will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 65F or more. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting or other light water setting to avoid overwatering the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Your Lemon Balm will typically take 7 to 14 days to germinate. The plants will grow to a mature height of about 12 to 24 inches tall and spread anywhere between 12 to 18 inches wide. Space each plant roughly 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. Harvest fresh leaves for many culinary uses. Their lemony flavored leaves can be added to stews, soups & salads, and are also popularly used in many teas as well.