Lemon Balm Seeds (Melissa officinalis)

Grow your own fragrant Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), a hardy perennial herb prized for its refreshing citrus aroma and versatile culinary uses. Its bright green leaves add a delicate lemon flavour to teas, salads, desserts, soft cheeses, sauces and a variety of meat and vegetable dishes. Easy to grow and highly aromatic, Lemon Balm is an excellent addition to herb gardens, raised beds and containers.

During summer, the plant produces small white flowers that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Product Features

• Refreshing lemon-scented foliage
• Perfect for teas, salads, desserts and savoury dishes
• Easy-to-grow hardy perennial herb
• Suitable for gardens, raised beds and containers
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators
• Fresh leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
• Common Name: Lemon Balm
• Plant Type: Hardy perennial herb
• Height: Approximately 50–80 cm
• Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Spacing: 40 × 40 cm

Growing Information

When to Sow

• Indoors: March – April

How to Sow

Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in moist, well-drained seed compost. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination. Once seedlings are well established, harden them off before planting outdoors.

Planting Out

Plant outdoors from May to June, after the risk of frost has passed. Space plants 40 × 40 cm apart to allow for healthy growth and good air circulation.

Harvesting

Harvest fresh leaves regularly throughout the growing season. Frequent picking encourages bushy growth and a continuous supply of fresh foliage.

Growing Tips

• Grow in full sun or partial shade.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Water regularly during dry weather.
• Pinch out growing tips to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.
• Remove flower stems if you wish to prolong leaf production.
• Apply compost or organic fertiliser in spring to encourage vigorous growth.

Garden Uses

Lemon Balm is perfect for herb gardens, kitchen gardens, patio containers and raised beds. Fresh leaves are ideal for teas, infused water, salads, desserts, fruit dishes, sauces and a variety of savoury recipes. The fragrant foliage also makes an attractive addition to sensory and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Why You’ll Love It

Lemon Balm is a reliable, easy-to-grow herb that provides wonderfully fragrant foliage from spring through autumn. Whether grown in the garden or in pots, it offers fresh flavour for the kitchen while attracting pollinators and adding lush greenery to your outdoor space.