Lemon Balm Seeds

(Melissa officinalis) Perennial. Zones 5 - 9.

Lemon Balm, Melissa is a beautiful member of the mint family. She is a European native who has made herself very much at home here in North America. Her leaves are very fragrant, the lemony flavour makes a nice refreshing tea, especially iced tea in the Summer! Lemon Balm can also be a soothing addition to salves and flower elixirs.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

TIMING: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last Spring frost date, harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

GERMINATION: 7-14 days. Seeds require light to germinate. Keep soil moist until germination, bottom watering is best. 

SEEDING: Sow seeds on the soil surface, tamp down gently. Space plants 12” apart. Space rows 18” apart.    

GROWING: Prefers a cool part of the garden in partial shade. Will easily spread, pick a place where this can happen and/or cut back regularly.  

HARVESTING: Pick leaves as needed, best when used fresh. For maximum oil content, pick leaves just before flowering. Dried leaves lose their scent and colour, best to use when fresh.