Melissa Lemon Balm Seeds
- Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- 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.OUR SEED GUARANTEE
You know that a lush, fruitful garden needs good soil, frequent watering, and sunlight to grow, but it’s the seeds that really make the harvest.
Picked and bagged for 2024 the vast majority of our seeds have germination rates of over 85%. The seeds are all-natural, non-GMO, non-hybrid, untreated, and open-pollinated for seed saving.
We have put a lot of thoughts into the design and packaging of our seed packets. Our seeds are all carefully packed in food grade kraft paper/aluminium zipper lock bags, and then are shipped in eco-friendly padded mailers.
We heat-seal each of our seed packet for even more protection from moisture, odour and light, allowing you to store your seeds for up to 3x longer than paper or plastic. Plant them all, germinate some indoors, save some for next season - it’s up to you!