Description

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant and versatile herb with crinkled, oval leaves that offer a refreshing lemony mint flavor. Known for its soothing properties, it can be used in tea, cooking, and even aromatherapy to promote relaxation. Historically planted in monastery gardens, it remains a popular choice for its medicinal benefits, including calming insomnia and soothing upset stomachs. This perennial herb thrives in USDA zones 3–7 and is an excellent choice for containers.

This packet has 270 seeds.

Variety Info:

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae
Native: Mediterranean region and Asia
Hardiness: Perennial, USDA zones 3–7
Plant Dimensions: 18″–24″ tall, 24″–36″ wide
Variety Information: Lemon balm has crinkled, oval leaves with serrated edges and square stems. The leaves have a lemony mint flavor and fragrance. Small white flowers bloom from mid- to late summer.
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Good for Containers

Sowing Info:

When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, or up to 2 months before your average first fall frost date. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 65°–75°F.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before average last frost.
Days to Emerge: 10–15 days
Seed Depth: Press into surface
Seed Spacing: A group of 4 seeds every 18″
Row Spacing: Plant in blocks, groups, or pots
Thinning: When 1″ tall, thin to 1 every 18″