Amitchell125 / CC BY-SA 4.0
herb
Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
EdibleMedicinalDrought Tolerant
Edible Partsleaves
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Overview
A vigorous lemon-scented herb in the mint family that has been cultivated for over 2,000 years as a mood-lifting, calming tea. The 11th-century herbalist Avicenna prescribed it to 'make the heart merry,' and modern research has validated its anti-anxiety and cognitive-enhancing effects. Like its mint relatives, lemon balm spreads enthusiastically and is best contained or given its own dedicated patch.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 9
Height0.6m
Spread0.5m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanPerennial
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates most conditions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; slow to germinate |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost; perennial to zone 4 |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest before flowering for best flavor; cut stems to 2" |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; contain to prevent spreading |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Oct | Harvest leaves as needed; cut back hard to rejuvenate |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — May | Plant in spring; self-sows aggressively — deadhead flowers |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — Nov | Harvest throughout growing season |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in early spring or fall |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Fall planting |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Harvest as needed; may persist year-round |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Plant in fall; part shade preferred in hot zones |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest year-round; cut back in summer heat |
Uses
Culinary
- Fresh leaves brewed as a lemony herbal tea
- Chopped into salads, marinades, and pesto
- Flavoring for lemon balm syrup and infused water
Medicinal
- Clinically studied for anxiety reduction and improved mood
- Traditional remedy for cold sores (topical)
- Calming digestive tea for stomach upset and bloating
Other Uses
- Excellent bee plant (Melissa means 'honey bee' in Greek)
- Pest-deterrent companion plant
- Lemon-scented groundcover or container herb
Safety Notes
Can cause irritation in high concentrates. Avoid during pregnancy. Care if sensitive skin [301].
