Herb Lemon Balm Seeds

1 product

Bring a fresh citrus fragrance to your herb garden with lemon balm seeds from David's Garden Seeds®. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a leafy member of the mint family, grown for its softly textured green leaves and lemony aroma. Harvest the leaves for flavorful herbal infusions, salads and simple garden-to-table dishes.

Why Grow Lemon Balm?

Fragrant foliage: Gently rub a leaf to release its bright lemon scent, a lovely addition to a kitchen herb garden.
Versatile fresh harvests: Tender leaves add a mild citrus note to drinks, fruit dishes, dressings and seafood.
Flowers for bees: Small, pale flowers offer nectar when plants are allowed to bloom.
Flexible planting options: Grow it in an herb bed or a well-drained container where regular clipping keeps the foliage within reach.

Growing Lemon Balm from Seed

Sow shallowly: Follow the packet's directions, pressing the small seeds into seed-starting mix and avoiding deep burial. Keep the surface lightly moist, not waterlogged, during germination.
Provide light: Give seedlings bright light and gradually harden them off before transplanting outdoors.
Choose the right spot: Plant in well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Afternoon shade can help protect foliage in hot climates.
Water for leafy growth: Keep young plants evenly moist while they establish. Water established plants when needed, particularly during hot, dry weather, without leaving the roots in standing water.
Leave room to grow: Follow the variety's spacing directions and allow airflow around mature clumps. Winter survival and seasonal growth depend on your climate.
Manage self-seeding: Lemon balm can reseed freely and form larger clumps. Clip flower stems before seeds mature if you do not want volunteers. Containers help manage the root space, but do not prevent seeds from spreading.

Harvesting and Culinary Uses

Pick tender leaves: Snip leafy stems once plants are established, leaving enough growth for recovery. Frequent light harvesting encourages branching.
Enjoy fresh flavor: Rinse leaves and add them near the end of cooking or use them fresh in salads, fruit bowls and chilled drinks.
Make an herbal infusion: Steep clean harvested leaves in hot water for a lemon-scented drink, adjusting the amount to your taste.
Preserve carefully: Dry leaves promptly in a shaded, airy location and store them only when fully dry. Fresh leaves generally have a brighter aroma than dried leaves.

Traditional Uses and Important Precautions

Lemon balm has a history of traditional herbal use, but these seeds are offered for growing plants, not for treating colds, flu, depression or other health conditions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before medicinal use, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children, if you have a thyroid condition or if you take medication. Culinary use of harvested leaves is different from taking concentrated extracts or essential oils. Packet seeds are for planting, not direct consumption.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

Veteran-Owned: Supplying gardeners with seeds since 2009.
GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting Texas agriculture and communities.
Seed Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds® has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
Helpful Customer Service: We're here to help you choose seeds for your garden.