melissa plant seeds Melissa - Lemon Balm Seeds

Lemon balm is an edible herb that is originally from the Middle East and North Africa but has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for thousands of years. Naturalized in most of Europe since about the 1500s, it was introduced to America by 1700 and quickly gained popularity there as well. 

Lemon balm is an easy-to-grow self-seeding perennial, so it can be used as a space-filler, but it also adapts beautifully to container gardening. Lemon balm Melissa will grow to about 2 feet high and will need mulching where winters go below -20°C. The plants will reward you with high yields of green leaves that have an enchanting lemon scent that mosquitos dislike. An excellent garnish for a nice summertime iced tea or a salad, lemon balm also makes a wonderful invigorating tea.  Can also be used in potpourris and insect repellent recipes, lemon balm is truly a must in any garden!

 

- Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
- Life Cycle: Perennial

- Canada Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Days to Maturity: 160
- Planting Depth: Broadcast directly
- Growth Habit: 30-40 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Lemon balm is an aggressive grower with a soft and soothing citrus fragrance. It makes a wonderful cup of herbal tea and will add refreshing colour and flavour to cold summer drinks and salads.

Lemon balm seeds should be started indoors four weeks before the last frost date, or sow seeds outside in mid spring. Cover seeds very lightly with soil and water well.

Transplant seedlings outdoors a couple weeks after the last spring frost. Space plants a good 60 cm apart, as they will grow quickly and soon fill in the open space.

Lemon balm can be planted in the garden inside bottomless pots to prevent the roots from running rampant through other areas of the garden. Lemon balm does grow well with many vegetables if it is confined to its own space. Its strong fragrance will deter pests and the flowers will draw in an abundance of beneficial pollinators.

Lemon balm prefers well-drained soil and won’t spread as vigorously if kept on the dryer side. Lemon balm should be well-pruned to keep it in check. Cut back woody stems to promote lush, new growth.

Harvest leaves as needed throughout the year. Cutting the entire plant back to 6 cm above the ground halfway through the season will rejuvenate the plant and allow for a second harvest. To prepare for winter, cut lemon balm to the ground in the late fall and cover with mulch to insulate it from freezing temperatures. Containers can be brought inside for the winter.

Grow your own lemon balm from seed to enjoy its wonderful aroma and calming essence.

QUICK FACTS

- The ancient Greeks thought that bees and lemon balm had a particular relationship and believed that bees would not abandon a hive if the herb was planted nearby. Lemon balm was planted as markers so the bees ‘’could find their way back.’’ The ancient Greeks even rubbed lemon balm on the beehives to make them feel welcome.

- Lemon Balm seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.