Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant perennial herb known for its lemon-scented leaves, vibrant green color, and soothing properties. A member of the mint family, Lemon Balm is widely grown for its medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. With 1500 seeds in this pack, you’ll have plenty to grow a fragrant, low-maintenance garden. Lemon Balm can be used in teas, herbal remedies, and as a fresh herb in cooking, while its delicate white flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any pollinator-friendly or herbal garden.

Key Features:

• 1500 Premium Seeds: This generous pack contains 1500 Lemon Balm seeds, providing you with ample opportunities to grow this delightful and fragrant herb.
• Fragrant, Lemon-Scented Leaves: Known for its lemony aroma, Lemon Balm is ideal for making refreshing teas, adding zest to dishes, or infusing oils and vinegars.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Lemon Balm’s white flowers are a favorite among bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
• Easy to Grow: Lemon Balm is a hardy herb that is simple to grow and maintain. It’s perfect for beginner gardeners and those looking for a low-maintenance plant.
• Medicinal Uses: Lemon Balm has long been used in traditional medicine for its calming and stress-relieving properties. It’s often used to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.
• Culinary Uses: The fresh, lemony leaves are great for seasoning a variety of dishes, such as salads, desserts, fish, and poultry. It also adds a unique flavor to homemade lemon balm pesto or iced teas.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Lemon Balm grows best in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in areas with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, though it can tolerate light shade.
• Soil Preferences: This herb prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Lemon Balm can adapt to a variety of soil types but grows best in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.0-7.0). Adding organic matter to the soil will encourage healthy growth.
• Planting Tips: For best results, start Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow them directly outdoors once the weather is consistently warm. To sow indoors, press seeds gently into the soil but do not cover, as they require light to germinate. Once seedlings are strong enough, transplant them to the garden, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
• Watering Needs: Lemon Balm prefers moderate moisture. Water the plants regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Lemon Balm is somewhat drought-tolerant once established but benefits from consistent watering during the growing season.
• Temperature: Lemon Balm thrives in moderate temperatures and can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. In colder climates, it may die back in the winter, but will regrow in the spring.

Benefits:

• Soothing & Calming: Lemon Balm is known for its calming properties, making it a popular choice for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It can help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The white flowers of Lemon Balm attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for creating a vibrant and healthy pollinator garden.
• Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, Lemon Balm has been used to treat digestive issues, ease insomnia, relieve headaches, and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often used in herbal teas or tinctures.
• Culinary Herb: The fresh leaves have a mild, lemony flavor, making them ideal for use in teas, salads, fish dishes, desserts, or even as a garnish for cocktails. Lemon Balm is also used in making homemade herbal oils, vinegars, and syrups.
• Easy to Grow & Maintain: Lemon Balm is a hardy and resilient plant that requires minimal care once established. It grows vigorously and can be harvested regularly without harming the plant, making it perfect for both home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.

Growing Zones:
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. It can tolerate cooler temperatures but thrives in moderate climates. In colder regions, Lemon Balm may die back during the winter but will resprout in the spring.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Lemon Balm is a great addition to any herb garden. Its fragrant leaves can be harvested regularly for use in cooking, teas, and herbal remedies.
• Pollinator Gardens: Plant Lemon Balm to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Its white flowers are especially attractive to pollinators, making it a vital part of any pollinator-friendly garden.
• Groundcover: Lemon Balm spreads easily and can be used as a low-maintenance groundcover. Its fragrant foliage adds texture and a pleasant aroma to garden beds or pathways.
• Companion Planting: Lemon Balm works well as a companion plant, as its scent can help repel some pests and improve the growth of neighboring plants, particularly tomatoes and peppers.
• Container Gardening: Lemon Balm thrives in containers, making it ideal for small spaces like patios or balconies. It can also be moved indoors during the colder months for year-round enjoyment.

Conclusion:
The 1500 Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Fragrant Herb / Flower Seeds offer a fantastic opportunity to grow a versatile, aromatic, and beneficial herb in your garden. Known for its calming properties, pollinator-friendly flowers, and culinary versatility, Lemon Balm is an easy-to-grow herb that can enhance your garden while providing numerous health benefits. Whether you’re looking to make soothing herbal teas, season dishes with a fresh, lemony flavor, or attract pollinators, Lemon Balm is a wonderful addition to any garden. Its low-maintenance nature and wide range of uses make it a must-have for herb enthusiasts, gardeners, and wellness seekers alike.