Melissa officinalis. 70 days. Open-pollinated.
Lemon Balm is a perennial herb native to southern Europe. This member of the mint family is cultivated mainly here in the United States where it has become a favorite of home gardeners due to its appeal to bees and for its many culinary and medicinal uses.
In the kitchen, Lemon Balm can be trimmed and added directly to salads, soups, and sauces, or dried for use in tea.
Lemon Balm's use as a medicinal is just as varied, as it's historically been used to reduce stress, anxiety and irritation, and to ease nausea and stomach cramping, and to improve memory retention.
Lemon Balm
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Sandy, well drained Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 12 to 24 inches Germination Temp: 65°F to 70°F Germination Time: 5 to 9 days Maturation: 70 days Growing Tips
Start indoors several weeks before the last spring frost. Sow seeds on the soil's surface in seed trays or flats. Seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover with soil. Place trays beneath a grow light and keep soil moist until germination, which should occur within 5 to 9 days.
Transplant outdoors once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall and the danger of frost has passed. Plants do best in full sun but tolerate partial shade.