Lemon Balm Seeds, Melissa Officinalis Heirloom Fragrant Culinary Herb (100 Seeds)

Lemon Balm is a fragrant, easy-to-grow perennial herb prized for its bright citrus aroma and mild lemon flavor. With its crinkled green leaves and bushy, upright habit, it adds a fresh, welcoming presence to herb gardens, borders, and container plantings. Gardeners often grow it near patios and walkways where its scent can be enjoyed, and its small white flowers attract bees and other pollinators through the summer.

This heirloom variety, Melissa officinalis, is a classic culinary herb used fresh in teas, salads, dressings, and desserts. It also works well in potpourri and natural garden landscapes. Whether you are starting a dedicated herb bed or adding a useful, aromatic plant to a mixed border, Lemon Balm is a rewarding choice for both new and experienced gardeners.

Plant Features

• Fragrant, lemon-scented green foliage
• Heirloom culinary herb with a mild citrus flavor
• Attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators
• Grows well in herb gardens, borders, and containers
• Perennial in suitable climates, often grown as an annual elsewhere

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
• Plant Type: Perennial herb
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
• Growth Habit: Bushy, upright
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: 12 to 24 inches
• Spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface, as they need light to germinate. Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Germination typically occurs in 10 to 14 days, though it can be slower.

Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, transplant them outdoors after hardening off. Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Water regularly during dry periods, and pinch back tips to encourage a bushy, productive plant. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season, preferably in the morning for the best flavor. In cold climates, mulch around plants in winter or grow Lemon Balm in containers that can be moved indoors.

What's Included

This listing includes 100 Lemon Balm seeds (Melissa officinalis).