Lemon balm (Latin name – Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent which are used to flavour ice-creams and herbal teas. Lemon balm has a bushy habit and grows to a height of 50cm (20inches.) although it can be trimmed. It is vigorous and can take over, so is often grown in a pot or container.
Lemon Balm will grow almost anywhere as long as it is not too dry, but prefers a fertile , well drained soil in full sun
Sowing Lemon Balm
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Sow March to May.
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Place seed on the surface of the seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of compost
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Place in a propagator or a polythene bag and keep at 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which takes up to 21 days.
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Keep the compost relatively dry
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Leave in a light place.
Care of Lemon Balm
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Plant out Lemon balm plants between 12 and 15 inches (30 and 38 cm) apart.
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Remove weeds regularly.
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Water well in dry weather
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Remove flowers to prevent self seeding.
Using Lemon Balm
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Harvest the young leaves when they are 10cm hight and bright green.
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Use the leaves of lemon balm in stuffings for fish & poultry.
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used to flavour ice-creams and herbal teas
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