Lemon Balm Seeds 0.15G

About Lemon Balm Seeds

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a bushy, easy-going perennial herb in the mint family with soft green leaves that release a bright lemon fragrance when brushed. These non-GMO lemon balm seeds grow into rounded, leafy plants topped with small white flowers that bees adore. It is a favorite for fresh and dried herbal teas.

Who it's for

Great for tea lovers, beginner gardeners, and anyone wanting a fragrant, hardy perennial for beds, containers, or a sunny kitchen window.

How & when to plant

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost or direct-sow in spring; seeds need light to germinate, so press them onto the surface and barely cover. Space plants 12–18 inches apart in full sun to part shade. Hardy in USDA zones 3–9, lemon balm grows in average, moist, well-drained soil and spreads into a fuller clump each year.

Harvest

Leaves are ready to pick in about 70–80 days, and flavor is best just before the plant flowers. Snip sprigs from the top and harvest often to encourage tender new growth; leaves can be used fresh or dried for tea.

Benefits & uses

Lemon balm's citrusy leaves flavor herbal teas, cold drinks, fruit salads, and desserts, and pair nicely with fish and poultry. In the garden its late-summer flowers are a strong draw for bees and other pollinators.

Frequently asked questions

Does lemon balm come back every year?
Yes. It is a hardy perennial in zones 3–9 and returns each spring, often self-seeding into a larger patch.

How do I use it for tea?
Steep a handful of fresh or dried leaves in hot water for a bright, lemony herbal tea.

Will it spread?
It can self-seed and expand; grow it in a container or deadhead the flowers if you want to keep it contained.