Melissa Lemon Balm Seeds

 Melissa officinalis Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis Lemon Balm is a vigorous, clump-forming perennial herb, cherished for its deeply wrinkled, bright green foliage and intense, uplifting lemon fragrance. Growing to about 18 to 24 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 24 inches, this variety is perfect for herb gardens, sensory borders, and container plantings where its aromatic presence can be enjoyed up close. Unlike invasive runners in the mint family, Lemon Balm forms a bushy mound, offering a summer display of tiny, nectar-rich white flowers that act as a magnet for honeybees while providing a continuous harvest of citrusy leaves.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The fresh or dried leaves are famous for brewing into a soothing, stress-relieving tea with a bright lemon flavor that aids in relaxation and sleep.
• Adds a refreshing zest to fruit salads, sorbets, marinades for fish and poultry, and makes a beautiful, fragrant garnish for iced beverages.
• Traditionally used in herbal practices to settle the stomach, soothe nervous tension, and as a crushed leaf rub to repel mosquitoes naturally.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Heart-shaped, scalloped, bright green leaves with a quilted texture; releases a burst of sweet lemon scent when brushed against or crushed.
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and spreading; grows vigorously and returns reliably, making it an excellent filler for garden gaps.
• Flowers: Produces inconspicuous whorls of small, two-lipped, white to pale yellow blossoms in summer, which are renowned for attracting pollinators, especially bees.
• Seeds: Harvested after the flower whorls dry and turn brown; the plant self-seeds easily, so collecting seeds helps manage its spread.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers some afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent the leaves from scorching and losing flavor.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers cool, fertile, moist, and well-draining soil.
• Water: Requires moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist for the most succulent leaves, though established plants are relatively drought tolerant.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or transplants 12 to 18 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and accommodate its bushy growth.
• Maintenance: Shear plants back by half after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of foliage and prevent aggressive self-seeding; divide clumps every 3 to 4 years.

Shipping Info

Melissa Lemon Balm seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.