Lemon Balm Seeds — Melissa officinalis

This packet contains 100 seeds of Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis. It is a bushy herbaceous perennial with softly textured, lemon-scented leaves and small pale flowers visited by pollinating insects. Grow it in an herb bed, cottage garden, or container.

Also known as: Melissa, Sweet balm, Garden balm, Balm mint, Common balm, Melisse, Zitronenmelisse, Toronjil, Erva-cidreira and Badranjbuya.

Sowing

Sow in spring on the surface of a moist, fine seed-starting mix. Press the seeds into contact with the medium and cover only very lightly. Keep the tray bright and evenly moist without waterlogging it. When seedlings are large enough to handle, move them into individual pots or thin direct-sown plants. Acclimatise indoor-raised seedlings gradually before planting outside after severe frost risk has passed.

Care and harvest

Lemon balm grows in full sun or partial shade and accepts a range of soils provided drainage is adequate. Water young plants regularly while they establish. Mature clumps can spread and self-seed, so a container is useful where space is limited; removing faded flower stems also reduces unwanted seedlings. Pinching or cutting stems encourages fresh leafy growth. Harvest young shoot tips as needed. Their lemon fragrance suits teas, cool drinks, salads, desserts, and garnishes; add them late when cooking to retain more aroma.

Storage

Keep unused seeds in the closed, labelled packet in a cool, dry, dark place. Protect them from humid air and temperature swings, and avoid storing the packet in direct sun or near a heat source.