Herb Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 4 - 9
- Height: 24 inches
- Bloom Season: Early summer
- Bloom Color: White
- Environment: Partial shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 65 - 75F
- Average Germ Time: 7 - 21 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: Press seed onto surface of soil, do not cover
- Sowing Rate: 1 seed per inch
- Moisture: Keep moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: Rows 18 - 24 inches a part; thin seedlings 12 inches
Lemon Balm (Melissa Odorata) - Grow soothing, aromatic Lemon Balm right on the windowsill! Lemon Balm's most popular use is in soothing herbal teas, where its lemon-scented volatile oils are released. Chopped fresh leaves are also good in salads, soups and stews. The dried leaves are also a perfect ingredient for potpurri and dream pillows.
Lemon Balm will bring the bees and hummingbirds to the garden! They love the fragrant flowers and fragrant heart-shaped leaves. At maturity, it reaches 12-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. Leaves can be picked at any time. Larger harvests can be obtained by snipping the upper half of the plant just above a node.
Sow Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last frost. Use sterile starter mix, and sow the herb seeds on the surface. Do not cover the seeds. Transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed and seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves. For areas with a long growing season, directly sow Lemon Balm seed outside in prepared soil.
Approximate Seeds Per Ounce: 40,000
