Lemon Balm Seeds - Melissa officinalis

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 3-9 - Lemon Balm is a dependable and hardy herbaceous perennial. It will die back to the ground after a hard frost and reliably re-emerge from its roots each spring, growing larger and more productive each year.

Best Performance in Zones 4-8 - Thrives in regions with mild to warm summers. In these zones, it will form a lush, full plant that can be harvested from multiple times throughout the growing season.

Northern Zones (3-4) - This herb is very cold-hardy and will typically overwinter without issue. Applying a thick layer of mulch over the plant's crown after the ground freezes can provide extra insurance against extreme cold.

Hot Climate Zones (8-9 and warmer) - In areas with intense summer heat, such as the American South, Lemon Balm performs best when given partial shade, especially protection from the harsh afternoon sun. It may go dormant in extreme heat but will flush with new growth once temperatures cool in the fall.

Soil Temperature - Seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 65-75 degrees F.

Establishment & Harvest - As a perennial, Lemon Balm can be harvested lightly in its first year, typically around 70-80 days after sprouting. It will reach its full productive potential in its second year, providing abundant harvests from spring through fall.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Sow:

Indoors: For a head start, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date.

Outdoors: Direct sow seeds in the garden in early spring, around the time of your last frost, or in late summer for growth the following year.

How to Sow:
Lemon Balm seeds are very small and require light to germinate.

Prepare Site: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Work the soil so it is smooth and free of weeds.

Surface Sow: Scatter the seeds onto the surface of the soil.

Press for Contact: Do not cover the seeds with soil. Gently press them down with your hand or the back of a hoe to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Water Gently: Use a fine mist to water the area, as a strong stream can dislodge the tiny seeds. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination.

Germination & Seedling Care:

Germination Time: Sprouts will typically emerge in 7-14 days in warm soil.

Thinning: Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to stand 18-24 inches apart to give each plant adequate space to mature.

Growing Conditions:

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun in cooler climates. In hot climates (Zones 8+), a location with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf scorch.

Soil: Adapts to a wide range of soils but performs best in moist, well-drained loam.

Watering: Water seedlings regularly. Established plants are fairly drought-tolerant but will produce more lush, tender leaves with consistent moisture.

Maintenance & Harvesting:

Managing Spread: Lemon Balm spreads enthusiastically by self-sowing. To prevent a garden takeover, it is highly recommended to snip off the flower stalks before they mature and set seed. Planting in a large container is another excellent way to keep it contained.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves and stems as needed throughout the season. The flavor is best before the plant flowers. For a large harvest, cut the entire plant back by about half, which will encourage a fresh flush of new growth. You can do this 2-3 times per season.