{"product_id":"lemon-balm-seeds","title":"Lemon Balm Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eLemon balm (\u003cem\u003eMelissa officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e) 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho it's for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGreat for tea lovers, beginner gardeners, and anyone wanting a fragrant, hardy perennial for beds, containers, or a sunny kitchen window.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow \u0026amp; when to plant\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHarvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaves 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBenefits \u0026amp; uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLemon 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes lemon balm come back every year?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It is a hardy perennial in zones 3–9 and returns each spring, often self-seeding into a larger patch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I use it for tea?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteep a handful of fresh or dried leaves in hot water for a bright, lemony herbal tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it spread?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt can self-seed and expand; grow it in a container or deadhead the flowers if you want to keep it contained.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organo Republic","offers":[{"title":"0.15G","offer_id":45319240253647,"sku":"ORIHLB_05_42","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.5G","offer_id":45319240286415,"sku":"ORIHLB_05_43","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/6437\/1919\/files\/Lemon-Balm-Seeds-Organo-Republic-266956892.png?v=1783463382","url":"https:\/\/organorepublic.com\/products\/lemon-balm-seeds","provider":"Organo Republic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}