lemon balm
lemon balm seeds or Melissa officinalis
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.
How to care for Melissa officinalis:
It self-seeds freely, so is best cut down after flowering unless you want a large clump.
Sowing instructions:
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.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
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9cm pot
£7.99
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approx 500 seeds
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