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:
Plant lemon balm in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, where it can spread easily. Keep it well watered during dry spells, especially in its first year, to help it establish. Once growing strongly, it becomes better adaptd to dry soil conditions.
Trim back after flowering to prevent self-seeding and to encourage fresh, leafy growth. In late autumn, cut the plant down to ground level and mulch lightly to ground level and mulch lightly to protect the roots over winter. Lemon balm grows well in containers too, which helps keep it from spreading too widely in the garden.
Trim back after flowering to prevent self-seeding and to encourage fresh, leafy growth. In late autumn, cut the plant down to ground level and mulch lightly to ground level and mulch lightly to protect the roots over winter. Lemon balm grows well in containers too, which helps keep it from spreading too widely in the garden.
Sowing instructions:
Surface-sow from late spring to late summer in seed trays and keep at around 20°C (68°F). Alternatively sow directly into a well-prepared border after all risk of frost has passed. Water regularly without waterlogging and thin out to 35cm (14in) 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.
9cm pot
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2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
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approx 500 seeds
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