Lemon Balm .443gr Approx 1250 Seeds ORGANIC Non GMO
Lemon Balm has a really strong lemony aroma and is a favorite in herbal teas and potpourris. The fresh leaves add a sweet lemony taste to salads, soups, sauces, and meats. It's also known for its health benefits and attracts honeybees and butterflies.
Most likely, the Moors brought lemon balm to Spain in the 7th century, and by the Middle Ages, it was widely used across Europe. Its Latin name, Melissa, translates to 'bee' in Greek, highlighting how it draws in bees; the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder even suggested growing lemon balm near beehives to keep the bees from wandering off. As a member of the mint family, lemon balm has been used for over 2,000 years as a medicinal herb, mainly for stress, anxiety, insomnia, and indigestion. The Persian physician and philosopher Avicenna from the 11th century noted its benefits for lifting spirits or combating melancholy. An old Arabian saying goes, 'Balm makes the heart merry and joyful.' Historical records show that both King Charles V of France and Emperor Charles V enjoyed lemon balm drinks for their health benefits; it was also one of the plants cultivated in Thomas Jefferson's well-known experimental garden. Nowadays, herbal remedies with lemon balm often combine it with other soothing herbs like valerian, chamomile, and hops to promote relaxation.
Common Names: Balm, Common Balm, Balm Mint
Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
Species Origin: Mediterranean, Europe, Central Asia
Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Seeds per Ounce: 47,000
Planting Method: From Transplant
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 30 Inches
Color: Green
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Aromatic, Deer Resistant
Sowing: To kick off growing lemon balm indoors, sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface about 6 weeks before the last frost of spring; make sure to provide some warmth, but avoid direct hot sunlight. For the best outcome, lightly mist the soil with a spray bottle or something similar. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, or after the last frost, you can transplant them outside. If you want to sow directly after the last frost, just plant the lemon balm seeds on the soil surface and keep it consistently moist until they germinate, which should happen in about 2-3 weeks. Lemon balm likes well-drained or sandy soil and partial shade, but it can also thrive in full sun. With the right care, lemon balm does great in containers.
Growing: Make sure to water regularly, but don’t go overboard. Mature lemon balm can handle some drought. Keep an eye on weeds while the seedlings are getting established. Lemon balm is a magnet for bees, birds, and butterflies; however, it can spread quite a bit if not managed. To keep it in check, cut off the flowering stalks before they have a chance to seed.
Harvesting: Pick fresh leaves as you need them during the summer and fall. Lemon balm grows back nicely after being cut, even bouncing back after being trimmed almost to the ground. For the best growth, though, avoid taking more than half of the plant at once. The flavor of lemon balm is at its best just before it flowers, so the ideal time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. Fresh leaves taste the best, but you can also dry or freeze them; just make sure to dry them within 2 days at a high temperature to avoid mold.
Seed Saving: As the individual flowering stalks start to dry and form Melissa Officinalis seeds, remove them. Lay them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Shake out the lemon balm seeds and keep them in a cool, dry spot.
