LEMON BALM – AROMATIC PERENNIAL WITH A CITRUS SCENT (ORGANIC CERTIFIED)

Lemon balm is an aromatic perennial with a fresh lemon scent. Its leaves are perfect for herbal teas, cooking, home remedies, and soothing preparations.

Description

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an easy-to-grow perennial herb, valued for its citrus aroma and its culinary and medicinal uses. Its fresh leaves flavor herbal teas, desserts, savory dishes, and infused oils. Its small white flowers attract pollinators and brighten herb gardens, borders, and shaded areas.

A robust and versatile plant, it thrives in full sun as well as partial shade and adapts to gardens, containers, and natural spaces.

Where to grow lemon balm

Suitable for zones 4 to 9, it prefers moist but well-drained soil. Ideal for herb gardens, pots, borders, and partially shaded areas.

History & traditional uses

Native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin, lemon balm has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Traditionally used to soothe the nervous system, promote sleep, and attract bees, it was also renowned for its culinary and cosmetic properties. In folklore, it symbolized longevity and vitality.

Information for the Canadian climate

• Zones 8-9: direct sowing in spring or fall; regular harvesting encouraged.
• Zones 5-7: indoor sowing in early spring or direct sowing after the last frost.
• Zone 4: pot cultivation or thick mulching for winter protection.

How to grow and harvest lemon balm

• Sowing: 6 mm deep; spacing of 30–45 cm.
• Watering: keep soil moist until established; tolerates drought once mature.
• Harvesting: pick leaves at any time, ideally before flowering.
• Maintenance: prune after flowering to stimulate new growth and limit self-seeding.

Tips for storing your seeds

• Allow a few plants to flower and produce seeds.
• Harvest the seed heads when they turn brown and dry.
• Separate the seeds, dry completely, and store in an airtight container.
• Seeds viable for 2 to 4 years.