{"title":"Melissa officinalis","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eMelissa officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e — lemon balm\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMelissa officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e, known as lemon balm, is a hardy perennial in the mint family whose softly crinkled leaves release a fresh, lemony fragrance at the lightest touch. Easy and uplifting, it is the botanical heart of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/lemon-balm\"\u003elemon balm\u003c\/a\u003e range within the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/culinary-herbs\"\u003eculinary herb\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLemon balm is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean and has been grown for over two thousand years. The Greeks and Romans valued it as a calming, restorative herb, and medieval monks cultivated it in monastery gardens — it was a key ingredient in the famous Carmelite water distilled by nuns in the seventeenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts botanical name reveals its great gift to the garden: \u003cem\u003eMelissa\u003c\/em\u003e is Greek for “honeybee,” a tribute to how powerfully its nectar-rich flowers attract and reward bees all summer long.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBotanical characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLemon balm forms a bushy clump 30–80 cm tall, with bright green, heart-shaped, deeply veined leaves and small white flowers much loved by bees. Crushing or brushing the foliage releases its signature lemon scent, making it a favourite for teas, cordials and potpourri. A vigorous, hardy perennial, it sits among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/perennial-herbs\"\u003eperennial herbs\u003c\/a\u003e and our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/aromatic-herbs\"\u003earomatic herbs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Melissa officinalis from seed\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLemon balm seed needs light to germinate, so sow on the surface and press in gently without covering. Sow in spring in trays or directly into the soil; it is easy and reliable from seed. It thrives in sun or partial shade and tolerates most soils, growing into a generous clump that self-seeds freely — trim it back after flowering to keep it tidy and encourage fresh, fragrant leaves. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-herbs-from-seed\"\u003eherb growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/herb-sowing-calendar\"\u003eherb sowing calendar\u003c\/a\u003e cover timing and care in full.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReady to grow lemon balm? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/lemon-balm\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#66971d;color:#ffffff;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eBrowse lemon balm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-herbs-from-seed\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#ffffff;color:#3f6312;border:1.5px solid #9cc35f;padding:10.5px 21px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eRead the herb guide\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated categories:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/lemon-balm\"\u003eLemon Balm\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/culinary-herbs\"\u003eCulinary Herbs\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/perennial-herbs\"\u003ePerennial Herbs\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/aromatic-herbs\"\u003eAromatic Herbs\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/herbs\"\u003eAll Herb Seeds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt \u003ca href=\"\/\"\u003eSeedsChoice\u003c\/a\u003e, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"lemon-balm-seeds-melissa-officinalis","title":"Lemon Balm Seeds Melissa Officinalis Perennial Herb","description":"\u003ch2\u003eFragrant perennial herb for garden and pots\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003elemon balm seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce a lemon-scented, perennial herb valued for its fresh green foliage and soft, airy presence in herb beds, borders, and containers. This variety is also known as \u003cem\u003eMelissa officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e and is commonly searched as melissa officinalis seeds by gardeners looking for reliable perennial herb seeds. Plants can reach around 90 cm in height, forming a leafy clump that can be picked as needed when the leaves are most aromatic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFlavorful leaves for everyday kitchen use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLemon balm herb seeds are a popular choice for cooks who want a mild citrus note from the garden. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they suit many recipes, including as a culinary herb for fish dishes and other savory meals where a light lemon aroma is welcome. As a versatile culinary herb, lemon balm pairs well with simple ingredients and can be added at the end of cooking to keep its fragrance bright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSite preference for healthy, leafy growth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best results, choose a spot that matches this partial shade herb plant preference, especially in warmer locations. A position with some shelter and consistently moist soil is suitable, making it a good option for gardeners searching for moist soil herb seeds or lemon balm seeds partial shade. With its perennial habit and generous foliage, perennial lemon balm seeds can become a long-lasting part of a kitchen garden or mixed herb planting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52575200510289,"sku":"SHA-BLO-021282-5","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-BLO-021282-5_1_dd9befb9-9754-4da2-b753-e56563bc9b32.png?v=1778179020"},{"product_id":"lemon-balm-seeds-organic-melissa-officinalis","title":"Lemon Balm Seeds Organic Melissa Officinalis Perennial Herb","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOrganic lemon balm seeds for fragrant gardens\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003elemon balm seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e are a classic choice for gardeners who want an aromatic, leafy herb with a fresh citrus-like scent. This organic perennial herb forms a bushy plant and can reach around 80 cm in height under suitable conditions. Known botanically as \u003cem\u003eMelissa officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e, it fits beautifully into an aromatic herb garden and works well in beds, borders, and dedicated herb areas where you can brush past the foliage and enjoy its fragrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerennial herb character and garden placement\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese lemon balm herb seeds develop into a dependable perennial herb plant with soft green leaves and a naturally informal habit. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, making it a bee friendly herb plant for mixed planting schemes. For best results, choose a spot with moist soil, as this herb appreciates evenly damp conditions without being waterlogged. Whether you grow perennial herb seeds for a kitchen garden or for ornamental greenery, lemon balm adds texture, scent, and seasonal interest alongside other culinary herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated search terms for easy online finding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are comparing options, you may also see this herb listed as melissa officinalis seeds or described as organic lemon balm seeds and perennial lemon balm herb seeds. These terms refer to the same well-known garden herb and can help you match the right plant to your herb collection and planting style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52575200543057,"sku":"SHA-AUR-011051-5","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-AUR-011051-5_1_0daa9bc1-94d6-4efe-87d2-6a4db630837d.png?v=1778178945"},{"product_id":"lemon-balm-seeds-melissa-officinalis-herbal-tea","title":"Lemon Balm Seeds Melissa Officinalis Perennial Herb Herbal Tea","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLemon-scented perennial herb for garden spaces\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003elemon balm seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce a lemon scented herb plant valued for its fresh, aromatic foliage and easygoing perennial habit. Also known as lemon balm herb seeds, this classic kitchen herb forms a leafy clump that can reach around 90 cm in height when established. The leaves are commonly used fresh or dried to add a bright citrus note to a wide range of dishes, making it a practical choice for cooks who enjoy growing their own herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant character, uses, and growing location\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis variety is offered as \u003cem\u003eMelissa officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e, a well-known member of herb gardens and mixed borders. As perennial herb seeds, it is suited to long-term planting where it can return year after year. It is a good option for herb seeds for pots as well as beds, and it can fit neatly into small-space gardening plans on patios or balconies. For placement, many gardeners choose partial shade herb seeds like this for spots with some shelter from strong sun, and it is often associated with moist soil herb seeds where the ground is kept evenly moist. If you are looking for perennial lemon balm herb seeds for a fragrant, leafy plant with culinary versatility, this is a dependable addition to your herb collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52575368970577,"sku":"SHA-LUN-051339-5","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-LUN-051339-5_1_c26ee0f7-8216-445a-bd99-9ad4aaa68c0b.png?v=1778196229"}],"url":"https:\/\/seedschoice.com\/collections\/melissa-officinalis.oembed","provider":"SeedsChoice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}