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lemon balm

lemon balm seeds or Melissa officinalis

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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

  • InformationThis herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

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PL020000286
9cm pot
£7.99
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PL30005812
2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
was £23.97 now £15.98
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SD30001153
approx 500 seeds
£2.99
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Standard delivery Standard Delivery£5.95
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