Lemon Balm — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Melissa officinalis |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 10–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow outdoors 4–6 weeks before last frost in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil in full sun to partial shade; lemon balm tolerates more shade than most herbs and is one of the few culinary herbs that produces acceptable quality even in partially shaded sites. Melissa officinalis is a vigorous, lemon-scented European perennial in the mint family producing wrinkled, oval, toothed leaves with a delightful fresh lemon fragrance used in teas, lemonade, salads, fish dishes, poultry, desserts, and liqueurs; it is much milder and more pleasant than lemon verbena for fresh use. Cut plants back hard after flowering to prevent aggressive self-seeding and to stimulate a flush of fresh, fragrant new leaves; in the Gulf South it often dies back in summer heat but re-emerges in fall. Harvest before flowering for best fragrance and flavor.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · melissa-officinalis
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0