Description
Melissa officinalis, commonly called lemon balm, is a bushy herbaceous perennial of the mint family
| Sr | Item name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lemon Balm - Plant |
Melissa officinalis, known as lemon balm, balm, common balm, or balm mint, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to south-central Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Central Asia. Wrinkled, ovate, medium green leaves appear in pairs on square stems.
Tiny, two-lipped, white flowers appear in the leaf axils throughout summer.Plant Specifications
| Plant Height | 11 inch (28 cm) |
| Plant Spread | 5 inch (13 cm) |
| Common Name | Lemon balm |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 1.50 to 2 feet |
| Flower Colour | White to pale yellow |
| Bloom Time | June to August |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Lemon Balm care
Sow lemon balm seed one fourth inch deep. Thin successful seedlings to 8 inches apart and later to 18 inches apart. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Lemon balm spreads by underground roots. To keep lemon balm from spreading, set it in the garden in a container that will keep the roots in place. Remove unwanted plants before they become established.
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Watering | Dry to medium |
| Soil | Average, dry to medium, well-drained soils |
| Temperature | 65 to 75 degrees F |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Lemon Balm special feature
Herb gardens, Border fronts, Naturalize as a ground cover in informal areas.
Lemon Balm uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for an ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb
- It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic)
- Note: Please consult your health expert
Culinary Use:
- Lemon balm is used as a flavoring in ice cream and herbal teas