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herbPerennialEdible
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Also known as: balm, melissa
Vigorous lemon-scented herb in the mint family. Use fresh in teas, salads, and desserts. Spreads readily.
Growing Requirements
SunPart Sun
WaterMedium
Soil Type
Soil Drainage
Soil pH
Plant Spacing18–24″
Row Spacing24–36″
Planting Depth0.06–0.13″
Height18–30″
Spread18–24″
✓ Container Friendly✓ Raised Bed Friendly
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
6–8 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow (Spring)
0–9 weeks after last frost
Transplant Outdoors
0–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
10–14 days
Days to Harvest
45–70 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Zones 3–9
Can overwinter in appropriate zones
Perennial in zones 3–9
Can become invasive. Remove flower heads before seed sets. Grows well in containers to control spread.
Companion Plants
No companion data available for this plant yet.