{"product_id":"lemon-balm-seeds-melissa-officinalis-heirloom-fragrant-culinary-herb-100-seeds","title":"Lemon Balm Seeds, Melissa Officinalis Heirloom Fragrant Culinary Herb (100 Seeds)","description":"\u003cp\u003eLemon 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFragrant, lemon-scented green foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom culinary herb with a mild citrus flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts bees and other beneficial pollinators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrows well in herb gardens, borders, and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerennial in suitable climates, often grown as an annual elsewhere\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Melissa officinalis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perennial herb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, fertile soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil evenly moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bushy, upright\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 to 24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 to 18 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis listing includes 100 Lemon Balm seeds (Melissa officinalis).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67739764031798,"sku":"EDNA-338","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.7935493321_9d4a.jpg?v=1792115384","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/lemon-balm-seeds-melissa-officinalis-heirloom-fragrant-culinary-herb-100-seeds","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}