lemon balm
lemon balm or Melissa officinalis
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average to fast
- Flowering period: July
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
Lemon-scented, light green leaves appear in early spring and are followed in midsummer by spikes of tiny, pale-yellow flowers, which fade to white or lilac. This is an easy-to-grow foliage plant that is ideal for the front of a sunny border or herb garden. The flowers are attractive to bees, reflected in one of the plant's common names (bee balm), and the lemon-scented leaves are delicious in salads, soups and also great for tea making.
It self-seeds freely, so is best cut down after flowering unless you want a large clump.
Surface-sow from late spring to late summer in seed trays and keep at around 20°C. Alternatively sow directly into a well-prepared border after all risk of frost has passed. Water regularly without waterlogging and thin out to 35cm intervals when large enough to handle.