Lemon Balm [Melissa officinalis]

The perennial lemon balm is a spice and medicinal plant that is used in summer salads and as a refreshing drink. For medicinal purposes, it helps with stress, stomach problems, inflammation and viruses. Important bee pasture. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvest the leaves.

 Description 
Lemon balm is an ancient perennial spice and medicinal plant with a long tradition and a plant that can live for 25 to 30 years. The species comes from the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, and is also an important part of aromatherapy. The plant forms a rhizome with short, underground runners and elongated, short, pointed leaves. The pleasant, strong lemon scent of the fresh herb keeps flies away. The lemony, fresh taste of the leaves goes well with many dishes such as summer salads or as a refreshing tea. In medicine, it is used for stress, stomach problems, inflammation and viruses. Attractive and important bee pasture.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 200 days
Plant height approx.: 100 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -34°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, sandy, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 35x35 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Tarragon, Sage, Chives, Thyme
Unfavorable mixed culture: Dill, Basil, Rue, Fennel

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to October is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from mid-May to August is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a warm and sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Lemon balm ideally prefers a soil that is moist, permeable, sandy, slightly loamy and contains humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Naturally irregular and low germination rate. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root cuttings.

 Plant care 
Avoid drying out. When the first buds appear or the leaves turn yellow, cut the plant back to encourage new growth. Fertilizing is only necessary when growing in containers.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Melissa officinalis
English names: Lemon balm
German names: Zitronenmelisse
Portuguese names: Erva-cidreira
Spanish names: Bálsamo de limón
French names: Mélisse, Baume au citron

 Origin 
Country: Portugal