Lemon Balm [Melissa officinalis]

Lemon balm is an old perennial spice and medicinal plant with a long tradition that can live 25 to 30 years. The species comes from the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, it is also an important part of aromatherapy. The plant forms a rhizome with short, underground foothills and oblong short-pointed leaves. The pleasantly 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. 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 Root
Nutrient requirements: Weak Eaters
Water Requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to-34 °C
Location: Sunny to partially shaded
Floor: Permeable, sandy, loamy, humos

PH: 6 to 7

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Light germ
Seed Depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Planting, row spacing: 35x35 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Tarragon, sage, chives, thyme
Unfavorable mixed culture: Dill, basil, wine diamond, fennel

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
From February to October, sow directly in the open air or prefer in a small bowl.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly into the open air from mid-May to August or prefer in a small bowl.

General
Sow directly in rows, as a litter or pre-cultivate. In the pre-culture, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow to the first visible lemon balm leaves, then pik into the desired container. After peckering, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings. The planting of the seedlings in the bed is carried out from the 2nd Pair of leaves after the cotyledders.
Lemon balm prefers a sunny and warm location with permeable, light loamy, sandy and humus-rich soil.

Additional tips
Due to the naturally irregular and lower germination rate, it is generally advisable to pre-breed the seeds. Buck culture possible. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and well-drained soil, an additional incorporation of biochar and primeval rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds.

Care Plants
Avoid dehydration. When the first buds are set or the leaves are yellowing, cut back the plant to stimulate a new shoot. Fertilization was only necessary for bucket culture.

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

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