Description
50 Seeds per pack
Lemon Balm (A.K.A. Common Balm, Sweet Balm)
Days to Maturity: 70 Days for Leaves, 90+ Days for Seeds
Sun Requirements: Full sun; tolerates brief afternoon shade in hot climates.
Botanical Name: (Melissa officinalis)
Used by ancient Greeks and Romans and introduced into Spain in the 7th century, Lemon Balm has long been cherished for its uplifting flavor and fragrance. By the 1500s, it was widely cultivated across Europe and later brought to North America by early colonists. Thomas Jefferson himself listed it in his Monticello herb garden in 1794. This versatile herb is even featured in the secret recipe of Germany’s protected Spreewald Gherkins—a traditional pickled cucumber specialty from the Spreewald region in Brandenburg, Germany, known for its sweet-sour flavor and distinctive herbal brine.
Lemon Balm is an upright, bushy, herbaceous perennial with coarse-textured, arrowhead-shaped, somewhat hairy, light green leaves that grow 2–3 inches long. The plant reaches 24–36 inches tall and occasionally produces pale yellow, white, or pink blooms. It thrives when trimmed regularly, forming a tidy, medium green clump that complements other herbs and flowers beautifully.
Its bright, citrusy flavor—often likened to a mix of lemon and mild mint—is subtly sweet and refreshing. Use it in teas (hot or iced), herb butters, salad dressings, sauces, and marinades for fish or chicken. It’s also great for brightening up fruit dishes, pasta, and salads.
Lemon Balm stores well when dried or frozen retaining much of its aroma and flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, it’s widely appreciated for its medicinal properties—helping with stress, anxiety, sleep, digestion, and skin irritations like cold sores. The essential oil is popular in aromatherapy and can serve as a natural insect repellent.
Rich in vitamins A, C, and a range of calming compounds, Lemon Balm is a flavorful and healthy herb that earns a spot in any herb or home garden.
Medical Disclaimer:
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) has a long history of traditional use for its calming, digestive, and antiviral properties. However, its effects may vary depending on the individual and form of preparation. Lemon Balm may interact with various medications. Individuals with thyroid conditions or those who are pregnant or nursing should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Lemon Balm in any form. The medical information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. We do not assume responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from its use.
Planting Instructions for Lemon Balm Seeds
When to Plant:
Start Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date. For shorter growing seasons, indoor sowing ensures a strong start. Outdoors, sow seeds directly into the garden once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F. Seeds benefit from a brief cold stratification before sowing.
How to Plant:
Lemon Balm seeds require light to germinate and should be sown directly onto the surface of moist, well-draining soil—indoors or outdoors—and gently pressed in without covering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and provide good airflow. Indoors, using a sterile, well-drained seed-starting mix reduces the risk of damping off. Outdoors, prepare a clean, weed-free bed in a sunny location. Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days at soil temperatures between 65–70°F. Cold stratification for a few days beforehand may improve germination rates.
Transplanting:
Once indoor seedlings develop their second set of true leaves, thin them to the strongest one or two per pot, or transplant each seedling into its own container. Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before planting outdoors. Space transplants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows or garden beds. Plants will eventually spread and fill in their space, forming compact, bushy clumps.
Sun Requirements:
Lemon Balm performs best in full sun, receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where afternoon sun can be intense. In lower light, growth may become leggy.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers average to rich, well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Lemon Balm does not thrive in soggy or poorly draining soils, which can lead to root rot. Slightly sandy or loamy soils work well. If planting in containers, use a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or sand for improved drainage.
Watering:
Lemon Balm has low to moderate water needs once established. Keep soil evenly moist during early growth, but when mature allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings to prevent excess moisture. Overwatering can cause the plant to become leggy or suffer root issues.
Harvesting:
Begin harvesting once plants are 8–10 inches tall. Cut stems just above a pair of healthy leaves to encourage branching and bushier growth. Harvest in the morning after dew is off before flowering for the strongest lemony flavor, as the oils become less concentrated once blooms appear. Older leaves have a more intense flavor than young growth. Continue harvesting regularly to prevent flowering and keep the plant producing tender leaves.
Drying & Storage:
Harvested stems can be hung to dry whole, or leaves can be stripped and laid out on a screen in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade oils and flavor. Leaves and stems can also be dried in a dehydrator set to its lowest setting (95°F or 35°C) for 12 to 18 hours. Alternatively, use an oven set to its lowest temperature—typically around 170°F—propping the door open slightly to prevent overheating and preserve essential oils. Once fully dried, store leaves in airtight containers away from heat and light for maximum shelf life.
Freezing is another option for long-term storage. Rinsing the leaves thoroughly and patting them dry before freezing is recommended to remove any debris or insects. Place whole or chopped leaves into freezer bags or ice cube trays with a bit of water to lock in flavor. Frozen lemon balm is best used in teas, broths, or cooked dishes rather than fresh applications.
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Lemon Balm?
Lemon Balm was used by ancient Greeks and Romans for its calming properties and aromatic qualities. By the 7th century, it had been introduced to Spain, and by the 1500s, it was widely cultivated throughout Europe. Early American colonists brought it across the Atlantic, and it found a place in Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello herb garden in 1794. Today, it’s still popular, even featur in the secret herb blend of Germany’s protected Spreewald Gherkins—a tangy pickled cucumber famous for its sweet-sour brine and distinct herbal flavor.
How would you describe the flavor of Lemon Balm, and how is it used in the kitchen?
Lemon Balm’s flavor is a gentle, citrusy blend of lemon and mild mint—bright, refreshing, and subtly sweet. It lends itself beautifully to a wide range of culinary uses. Steep the leaves in hot or iced teas for a calming, aromatic brew, or infuse them into syrups, herb butters, and vinaigrettes. Its fresh tang complements poultry, fish, and vegetables, while its soft herbal notes shine in fruit salads, custards, and jams. Whether chopped into a summer pasta, layered into sandwiches, or blended into smoothies, Lemon Balm brings a fresh, uplifting flavor that enhances without overwhelming.
Can Lemon Balm be grown in containers or small spaces?
Absolutely—Lemon Balm is well-suited for container gardening, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and small herb gardens. Choose a pot that’s at least 10–12 inches in diameter with good drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix enriched with perlite or coarse sand to promote healthy root development. Position the container where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, and rotate it occasionally for even growth. Potted Lemon Balm not only thrives but also brings its delightful fragrance right to your doorstep or windowsill.
How and when do I harvest Lemon Balm?
Begin harvesting when plants reach 8–10 inches tall. Use clean shears to snip stems just above a pair of healthy leaves—this encourages branching and bushier growth. For peak flavor and essential oil concentration, harvest early in the morning once the dew has dried and before flowering begins.
When is the best time to plant Lemon Balm?
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date to give them a strong head start, especially in shorter growing seasons. Outdoors, direct sow once frost danger has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F. For best germination, briefly cold-stratify seeds and sow them directly on the soil surface—pressing in gently without covering, as they need light to sprout. Germination usually occurs within 5–10 days in ideal conditions.
What role does Lemon Balm play in traditional herbal remedies?
Lemon Balm has long been cherished in herbal medicine for its calming, antiviral, and digestive qualities. Traditionally used in teas and tinctures to ease anxiety, aid sleep, and soothe digestive discomfort, it was also applied to releive for cold sores and minor skin irritations thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in rosmarinic acid, it remains a popular ingredient in natural wellness blends and homemade salves today. Its essential oil also works as a natural insect repellent.
What’s the best way to store Lemon Balm after harvest?
To retain its vibrant aroma for long-term use, dry Lemon Balm leaves in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area—either by hanging them in small bunches or spreading them out on a mesh screen. A dehydrator set to low heat (95°F/35°C) works well too, drying leaves in 12 to 18 hours. Alternatively, you can use your oven on its lowest setting with the door slightly propped open to prevent overheating. Once fully dried, store the leaves in airtight containers away from heat and light. For freezing, rinse and pat the leaves dry, then freeze whole or chopped in freezer-safe bags or in ice cube trays with water. Frozen Lemon Balm is best used in cooked dishes or steeped in hot teas.
What nutrients does Lemon Balm provide?
Lemon Balm is more than just flavorful—it’s packed with nutrition. Rich in vitamins A and C, it also contains rosmarinic acid and other calming compounds known to support relaxation, digestive health, and skin wellness.
Does Lemon Balm have any notable growing challenges or resistances?
Lemon Balm is easy to grow and quite resilient. It thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade—especially in hot climates where afternoon sun can be intense. Preferring well-drained, moderately fertile soil, it dislikes soggy conditions, which can cause root rot or legginess. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a reliable and rewarding addition to any herb garden.
Bobby & Rita Duty (verified owner) –
All perfect as always!
Bob Donlen (verified owner) –
Thanks
Laura –
I had no specific purpose for planting this other than trying something new (and I read that it was always a staple in old monastic gardens). Then I came down with a nasty virus that caused a debilitating headache for several days, and over-the-counter meds were useless in helping. On a whim, I made some tea with this and–wow!–it immediately cut that headache by 80%. Needless to say, I’ll be expanding my herb garden next summer!
Emily P. (verified owner) –
Thank you!
Pussywillow –
This is a must-have in my garden. It’s calming–my husband can tell if I’ve skipped it for a day! It’s delicious in lemon quick breads & as a sauce (boil with onion, tomato, salt & a generous amount of olive oil) that’s good on pasta, eggs, lentils (etc.). Keep it trimmed if you don’t want it self-seeding all over the garden. It grows *very* easily from seed!