Lemon Balm
Melissa Officinalis
Lemon balm is an edible herb with a sweet citrus scent. Bright green leaves and white flowers blooming in late summer. This is a great alternative for mint that won’t be as invasive in your garden. It can be planted in containers or gardens for edible or ornamental purposes. Leaves and stems are best used fresh for drink and food garnishes.
Seed Count: approximately 50-75 seeds
Plant Height: 12-24”
Light Requirements: full sun, part shade
Soil Preference: rich, moist, well-draining soil, pH 6-7.5
USDA Zones: 4-9 (perennial)
How to Grow
Germination: 7-14 days at 65-70F
Seeding Depth: 1/2-1” depth, light required for germination
Plant Spacing: 6-12”
Days to Maturity: 60-70 days
Early-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seeding is recommended and can be done in early spring.
Late-Season Seeding: Start seeds indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 10 weeks before your first fall frost date. Direct seed in early fall and provide mulch if temperatures drop below 0F.
Growing Tips: High rates of fertilizer can limit the strength of the scent.
Cut Flower: Lemon balm can be used as greenery in floral arrangements adding a citrus scent. The vase life is typically 5-7 days.
Edible: Leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is established and stems with leaves can be harvested when anytime but flowers should be harvested after they have fully opened. It is best to use leaves and stems fresh rather than dried.
photo @brendafredericksdesigns
Melissa Officinalis
Lemon balm is an edible herb with a sweet citrus scent. Bright green leaves and white flowers blooming in late summer. This is a great alternative for mint that won’t be as invasive in your garden. It can be planted in containers or gardens for edible or ornamental purposes. Leaves and stems are best used fresh for drink and food garnishes.
Seed Count: approximately 50-75 seeds
Plant Height: 12-24”
Light Requirements: full sun, part shade
Soil Preference: rich, moist, well-draining soil, pH 6-7.5
USDA Zones: 4-9 (perennial)
How to Grow
Germination: 7-14 days at 65-70F
Seeding Depth: 1/2-1” depth, light required for germination
Plant Spacing: 6-12”
Days to Maturity: 60-70 days
Early-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seeding is recommended and can be done in early spring.
Late-Season Seeding: Start seeds indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 10 weeks before your first fall frost date. Direct seed in early fall and provide mulch if temperatures drop below 0F.
Growing Tips: High rates of fertilizer can limit the strength of the scent.
Cut Flower: Lemon balm can be used as greenery in floral arrangements adding a citrus scent. The vase life is typically 5-7 days.
Edible: Leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is established and stems with leaves can be harvested when anytime but flowers should be harvested after they have fully opened. It is best to use leaves and stems fresh rather than dried.
photo @brendafredericksdesigns
Melissa Officinalis
Lemon balm is an edible herb with a sweet citrus scent. Bright green leaves and white flowers blooming in late summer. This is a great alternative for mint that won’t be as invasive in your garden. It can be planted in containers or gardens for edible or ornamental purposes. Leaves and stems are best used fresh for drink and food garnishes.
Seed Count: approximately 50-75 seeds
Plant Height: 12-24”
Light Requirements: full sun, part shade
Soil Preference: rich, moist, well-draining soil, pH 6-7.5
USDA Zones: 4-9 (perennial)
How to Grow
Germination: 7-14 days at 65-70F
Seeding Depth: 1/2-1” depth, light required for germination
Plant Spacing: 6-12”
Days to Maturity: 60-70 days
Early-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seeding is recommended and can be done in early spring.
Late-Season Seeding: Start seeds indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 10 weeks before your first fall frost date. Direct seed in early fall and provide mulch if temperatures drop below 0F.
Growing Tips: High rates of fertilizer can limit the strength of the scent.
Cut Flower: Lemon balm can be used as greenery in floral arrangements adding a citrus scent. The vase life is typically 5-7 days.
Edible: Leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is established and stems with leaves can be harvested when anytime but flowers should be harvested after they have fully opened. It is best to use leaves and stems fresh rather than dried.
photo @brendafredericksdesigns