Lemon Balm Seeds Organic 'Melissa'

• Lemon-scented leaves
• Versatile herb
• Flowers are attractive to pollinators
• Self-seeds easily
• Ideal for an organic garden

Lemon balm is a versatile herb with lemon-scented leaves that can be used fresh or dried, in salads, stuffings or for herbal teas. The small spires of white flowers that appear in summer are very popular with bees. It self-seeds very easily, so cut it back after flowering to keep it from spreading.

Sow indoors

Almost fill a seed tray with moist seed compost. Sow seeds thinly over the surface, and lightly cover them with a little more compost. Place in the warmth, 20-25°C, and keep moist but not too wet. Allow 3 weeks for germination.

Grow on

Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from direct sunlight. When large enough to handle, transplant to 8cm pots, allowing 3 to 4 seedlings per pot.

Plant out

Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out. Allow 30cm between plants.

Tips

Cover seed tray with cling film after sowing to keep moisture in and remove when small plants are visible. Lemon Balm can take up to 3 weeks for seeds to germinate.