Lemon Balm Seeds – Melissa officinalis Heirloom Non-GMO Perennial Herb

Lemon Balm Seeds – Melissa officinalis

Grow a fragrant and versatile perennial herb with Mai’s Family Lemon Balm Seeds.

Botanically known as Melissa officinalis, Lemon Balm is a heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated herb in the mint family. It develops bushy plants with wrinkled green leaves, square stems, a fresh lemon fragrance, and small white to pale-yellow flowers.

Fresh leaves may be used to flavor herbal teas, cool drinks, salads, soups, sauces, fruit dishes, desserts, and other prepared foods. The flowers also attract bees and other garden pollinators.

Lemon Balm grows well in herb gardens, raised beds, borders, and containers. Because established plants may spread through seeds and underground rhizomes, container growing can help keep the plant contained.

Product form: Seeds only. Live plants, fresh herbs, dried herbs, tea products, soil, containers, and gardening supplies are not included.

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Product Highlights

• Heirloom Lemon Balm herb seeds
• Non-GMO and open-pollinated
• Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
• Perennial herb in suitable climates
• Fresh lemon-scented green foliage
• Bushy and spreading growth habit
• Small white to pale-yellow flowers
• Approximately 10–20 days to germination
• Recommended germination temperature of approximately 65–75°F
• Full sun to partial shade
• Suitable for herb gardens, raised beds, borders, and containers
• Fresh leaves may be harvested after plants become established
• Seeds only – not live plants

Product Details

Common Name	Lemon Balm
Botanical Name	Melissa officinalis
Other Names	Balm Mint, Sweet Balm, Garden Balm, Honey Plant
Plant Family	Mint Family
Seed Type	Heirloom, Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial Herb
Growth Habit	Bushy and Spreading
Leaf Color	Green
Flower Color	White to Pale Yellow
Leaf Fragrance	Fresh Lemon Scent
Indoor Start	Approximately 6–8 Weeks Before Final Frost
Outdoor Sowing	Early Spring
Seed Depth	Surface Sow or Cover Approximately 1/8 Inch or Less
Germination Time	Approximately 10–20 Days
Germination Temperature	Approximately 65–75°F
Plant Spacing	Approximately 18–24 Inches
Mature Height	Approximately 18–36 Inches
Mature Spread	Approximately 18–36 Inches
Sunlight	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Preferred Soil	Rich, Humus-Filled, Well-Drained Soil
Watering	Keep Young Plants Evenly Moist
Leaf Harvest	Approximately 70 or More Days; Best Before Flowering
Product Form	Seeds Only

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About Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is a fragrant perennial herb valued for its fresh lemon scent, attractive foliage, and versatile garden use.

Established plants commonly produce:

• Wrinkled green leaves
• Square stems typical of the mint family
• Small white to pale-yellow flowers
• Bushy, branching growth
• A spreading habit through seeds and underground rhizomes

Container growing or planting in a designated herb bed may help manage the plant’s spreading habit.

Culinary Uses

Fresh Lemon Balm leaves may be used to flavor:

• Herbal teas
• Iced drinks
• Lemonade
• Salads
• Soups
• Sauces
• Fruit dishes
• Desserts
• Other prepared foods

For the strongest flavor and fragrance, harvest leaves before the plant begins flowering.

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How to Grow Lemon Balm from Seed

When to Start Seeds

Start seeds indoors approximately 6–8 weeks before the final expected spring frost.

Seeds may also be sown outdoors in early spring when local conditions are suitable.

Lemon Balm seeds are extremely small and should not be planted deeply.

Sowing Instructions

1. Fill seed trays or small containers with sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Moisten the growing medium before sowing.
3. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface.
4. Press the seeds gently into the growing mix.
5. Leave uncovered or add only a very fine layer of mix.
6. Do not cover more than approximately 1/8 inch deep.
7. Maintain approximately 65–75°F.
8. Keep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.
9. Provide bright overhead light after seedlings emerge.

Germination

Seeds commonly germinate in approximately 10–20 days under suitable conditions.

Germination may be uneven, so allow additional time before discarding the growing tray.

Germination may be delayed by:

• Planting too deeply
• Cool temperatures
• Allowing the surface to dry completely
• Continuously saturated growing mix
• Poor drainage
• Compacted seed-starting mix

Because the seeds are surface-sown, check moisture regularly and water gently to avoid moving or burying them.

Seedling Care

Provide bright overhead light after seedlings emerge.

Thin crowded seedlings or move them into individual containers as they develop.

Keep the growing medium evenly moist, but avoid continuously wet conditions.

Hardening Off

Harden indoor-grown seedlings gradually before permanent outdoor planting.

Begin with short periods in a protected outdoor location and gradually increase exposure to:

• Direct sunlight
• Outdoor temperatures
• Wind
• Longer periods outside

Protect young seedlings from frost and sudden temperature changes.

Transplanting

Transplant after the danger of hard frost has passed and seedlings have been properly hardened.

Handle the root ball carefully and avoid unnecessary root disturbance.

Space plants approximately 18–24 inches apart.

Mature plants commonly reach approximately 18–36 inches tall and may spread approximately 18–36 inches.

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Sunlight Requirements

Lemon Balm grows in full sun to partial shade.

Full sun may be suitable in cooler areas. Afternoon shade may help protect foliage during very hot summer weather.

Soil Requirements

Rich, humus-filled, well-drained soil is ideal.

Finished compost may be incorporated before planting to improve soil structure and organic matter.

Avoid locations where water remains standing after rainfall.

Watering

Keep young plants evenly moist while the roots become established.

Established plants may tolerate some dryness, but prolonged dry conditions may reduce leaf quality and plant growth.

Avoid continuously wet soil, which may result in weak growth and damaged roots.

Fertilizing

Fertilize sparingly.

Excess fertilizer may produce weak, overly lush growth and reduce the concentration of the plant’s natural lemon fragrance.

Finished compost or a light application of balanced herb fertilizer may be sufficient, depending on soil conditions.

Container Growing

Lemon Balm grows well in containers, and container growing may help manage its spreading habit.

• Use a container with open drainage holes
• Fill with fertile, well-draining potting mix
• Place in full sun or partial shade
• Check soil moisture regularly
• Water when the upper layer begins to dry
• Do not leave the container standing in water
• Trim stems regularly to maintain compact growth

Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering during hot or windy weather.

Pinching and Pruning

Pinch or cut growing tips regularly to encourage:

• Bushier growth
• More branching
• Continued leaf production
• A compact plant shape

Removing flower stalks before seeds mature may help limit self-seeding and maintain tender new foliage.

Managing the Spreading Habit

Lemon Balm may spread through both seeds and underground rhizomes.

To help manage spreading:

• Grow plants in containers
• Remove flower stalks before seeds mature
• Trim plants regularly
• Remove unwanted seedlings
• Plant in a designated herb bed

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Harvesting Lemon Balm

Fresh leaves may be harvested after the plants become established. Leaf harvest may begin at approximately 70 or more days, depending on growing conditions.

Flavor and fragrance are generally strongest before flowering.

Cut no more than approximately one-third of the foliage at one time. Leaving enough foliage allows the plant to continue growing and producing new leaves.

Use clean scissors or pruning shears when harvesting.

Regular harvesting may encourage branching and regrowth.

Drying and Storage

1. Cut clean stems before flowering when possible.
2. Place stems in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated location.
3. Allow the foliage to dry completely.
4. Remove the dried leaves from the stems.
5. Store the leaves in an airtight container.
6. Keep the container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Dried leaves may naturally have a milder fragrance than freshly harvested leaves.

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Quick Growing Guide

Variety	Lemon Balm
Botanical Name	Melissa officinalis
Seed Type	Heirloom, Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated
Life Cycle	Perennial Herb
Indoor Start	6–8 Weeks Before Final Frost
Outdoor Sowing	Early Spring
Seed Depth	Surface Sow or Cover 1/8 Inch or Less
Germination Time	Approximately 10–20 Days
Germination Temperature	Approximately 65–75°F
Plant Spacing	Approximately 18–24 Inches
Mature Height	Approximately 18–36 Inches
Mature Spread	Approximately 18–36 Inches
Sunlight	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Leaf Harvest	Approximately 70+ Days
Best Harvest	Before Flowering
Product Form	Seeds Only

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Important Product Notice

This listing contains Lemon Balm seeds only.

The package does not include:

• Live plants
• Fresh Lemon Balm leaves
• Dried herbs
• Tea products
• Soil
• Containers
• Fertilizer
• Gardening tools
• Other growing supplies

Germination and growing results depend on seed freshness, temperature, moisture, sowing depth, light, soil mix, transplant timing, and local growing conditions.

Mature height, spread, flowering time, fragrance, and leaf production may vary according to climate and growing conditions.

This product is identified as Heirloom, Non-GMO, and Open-Pollinated. It is not advertised as Organic, Certified Organic, or Untreated unless separately stated on the product label.

Mai’s Family LLC
Love Plants, Love Earth.