HERB ‘Lemon Balm’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
- Perennial herb with citrus-mint aroma.
- Excellent for tea, salads, and pollinator-friendly gardens.
- Grows well as a microgreen or mature plant.
Lemon Balm is a fragrant perennial herb with soft, bright green leaves and a refreshing lemon-mint scent. Ideal for teas, garnishes, and aromatherapy, it also attracts bees and beneficial insects. Lemon Balm thrives in cool, semi-shaded areas and grows well in pots, beds, or as part of a perennial herb garden. Its calming properties make it a favourite in herbal medicine, while its ability to regrow year after year makes it a low-maintenance addition to your edible garden.
- Fast-growing and highly aromatic herb with culinary and medicinal uses.
- Excellent for teas, fresh use, or dried herb blends.
- Low-maintenance once established and regrows year after year.
- Can be grown in containers or garden beds with good drainage.
- Produces delicate flowers that attract pollinators and support biodiversity.
Growing Tips
- Sow in spring or autumn when soil is moist and temperatures are mild (15–25°C).
- Start indoors and transplant after 4–6 weeks, or sow direct into beds or pots.
- Thin seedlings to 50 cm apart once they develop several true leaves.
- Prune regularly to promote bushy growth and delay flowering.
- Water consistently, but avoid waterlogging. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Cut back stems after flowering to encourage regrowth and extend harvesting.
Growing Instructions (Microgreens)
- Do not pre-soak seeds.
- Use approximately 10 grams of seed per 30 × 35 cm tray.
- Fill tray with 2–3 cm of moist, fine seed-raising mix or coconut coir.
- Scatter seeds evenly, press gently, and cover with a humidity dome or tray lid.
- Keep in a warm, dark area with good airflow for 10–14 days while germinating.
- Mist 1–2 times daily. Once sprouted, expose to natural light and continue watering.
Harvest (Microgreens): 24–30 days after sowing. Snip just above the soil surface for tender, aromatic greens.
Harvest (Mature Herb): Begin harvesting leaves once the plant is 15–20 cm tall. Peak flavour occurs just before flowering.
When to Sow Lemon Balm in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | September – April | Sow in moist soil after frost danger passes. |
| Subtropical | March – October | Avoid the peak summer heat; provide afternoon shade. |
| Tropical | April – October | Choose the cooler part of the year; mulch well to retain moisture. |
| Arid | April – October | Sow after rainfall or provide regular irrigation to establish. |
| Cool | September – December | Start indoors for early growth; transplant after last frost. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 10–14 days |
| Sowing Depth | 3 mm |
| Watering | Keep moist but not soggy. Water consistently in hot weather. |
| Plant Height | 60–80 cm |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil (pH 6.0–7.5) |
| Spacing | 50 cm apart |
| Sunlight | Prefers partial shade or morning sun |
| Harvest (Microgreens) | 24–30 days after sowing |
| Harvest (Herb) | 60–75 days for mature leaves |