lemon balm
lemon balm or Melissa officinalis
- 9cm pot
- £5.99
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
- 2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
- £11.98 £17.97
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
- approx 500 seeds
- £2.99
- In stock (shipped within 1-2 working days)
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average to fast
- Flowering period: July
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
Lemon-scented, light green leaves appear in early spring and are followed in midsummer by spikes of tiny, pale-yellow flowers, which fade to white or lilac. This is an easy-to-grow foliage plant that is ideal for the front of a sunny border or herb garden. The flowers are attractive to bees, reflected in one of the plant's common names (bee balm), and the lemon-scented leaves are delicious in salads, soups and also great for tea making.
It self-seeds freely, so is best cut down after flowering unless you want a large clump.
Surface-sow from late spring to late summer in seed trays and keep at around 20°C. Alternatively sow directly into a well-prepared border after all risk of frost has passed. Water regularly without waterlogging and thin out to 35cm intervals when large enough to handle.
Goes well with
Portable planting trough - Crocus green frame
49 × 21 × 17.5cm
£37.99
In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Portable planting trough - tealy blue frame
49 × 21 × 17.5cm
£37.99
In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)