Available for purchase are seeds from a sweet herb, Lemon Balm. Well not truly a mint or Mentha variety, it is a close relative from the mint family, Lamiaceae and can be used in the same fashion. They have a delicate lemon flavor and can be used in abundance for a variety of teas or recipes. They grow in Zones 4 to 9, in full sun to shade, in most soils. The average height is 2', but they spread more like a ground cover indefinitely. If cultivating for culinary use, moist soil and part sun are best. I suggest a large planter if doing this. Under perfect growing conditions, the Lemon Balm can spread very easily and may be hard to contain otherwise. I believe the "strong shall survive" in my garden. You will appreciate my motto.
Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Melissa (mel-ISS-a)
Species: officinalis (oh-fiss-ih-NAH-liss)
Category:
Herbs
Height:
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing:
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
to
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Bloom Color:
Cream/Tan
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Aromatic
Other details:
Aggressive
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From herbaceous stem cuttings
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
