HT Lemon Balm Seeds 0.5g – Perennial Lemon-Scented Herb

Lemon Balm Seeds 0.5g

Overview

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is an easy-to-grow perennial culinary herb producing fresh green leaves with a distinctive lemon fragrance and a mild citrus flavour. The aromatic leaves are traditionally used to prepare herbal tea and can also be added to salads, desserts, cold drinks, fish dishes and other recipes.

This vigorous, bushy herb grows well in garden beds, herb gardens, raised beds and containers. Its small summer flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Key Features

• Easy-to-grow perennial culinary herb.
• Produces aromatic leaves with a fresh lemon fragrance.
• Leaves can be used fresh or dried.
• Traditionally used to prepare lemon balm herbal tea.
• Excellent for drinks, desserts, salads and fish dishes.
• Small flowers attract bees and beneficial pollinators.
• Suitable for herb gardens, raised beds and containers.
• A rewarding choice for growing herbs from seed.

Sowing Instructions

• Sow indoors in seed trays or small pots during March and April.
• Alternatively, sow outdoors in a prepared seedbed from April to June.
• Sow thinly on the surface of moist seed compost.
• Cover very lightly with fine compost, as the seeds need some light to germinate.
• Keep the compost consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Prick out indoor-grown seedlings once they are large enough to handle.
• Transplant seedlings to their final positions after the risk of severe frost has passed.
• Allow approximately 30–40cm between plants.

Growing Conditions and Care

Lemon Balm grows well in full sun or partial shade. Choose fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil for the strongest growth.

Water young plants regularly while they establish. Mature plants are generally easy to maintain but benefit from watering during prolonged dry periods, especially when grown in containers.

Lemon Balm grows vigorously and may spread by underground growth and self-seeding. Grow it in a container if you prefer to restrict its spread.

Cut plants back after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of aromatic leaves and to limit self-seeding. Remove old growth in late autumn or early spring.

Harvesting and Use

Begin harvesting leaves once the plants are well established. Pick young leaves and tender shoot tips regularly from spring through autumn.

The leaves have their strongest fragrance before the plant flowers. Harvest stems at this stage if you wish to dry larger quantities for later use.

Use fresh Lemon Balm leaves to prepare herbal tea, infused water and refreshing summer drinks. Finely chopped leaves may also be added to fruit salads, desserts, sauces, dressings and fish dishes.

Dry harvested stems in a warm, airy location away from direct sunlight. Store the dried leaves in an airtight container to help preserve their fragrance.

Product Details

• Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
• Common name: Lemon Balm
• Plant type: Hardy perennial herb
• Indoor sowing period: March–April
• Outdoor sowing period: April–June
• Harvesting period: Spring–autumn
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive and well drained
• Expected height: Approximately 40–60cm
• Plant spacing: Approximately 30–40cm
• Suitable for: Herb gardens, raised beds and containers
• Culinary use: Herbal tea, drinks, desserts, salads and fish dishes
• Pollinator friendly: Yes
• Pack size: Approximately 0.5g
• Product code: 11050

Browse quality herb seeds from Mallorn Gardening Supplies and grow fresh culinary herbs at home in Ireland.