Name: Melissa officinalis
Brand: Les jardins de l'écoumène
SKU: ECOU-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Mélisse officinale. Feuilles vertes de mélisse, gaufrées et dentelées. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Culinary herb Lamiaceae

Organic seeds

Les jardins de l'écoumène

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameLemon Balm

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusMelissa

Speciesofficinalis

TypeCulinary herb

Botanical nameMelissa officinalis

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packet200 seeds

Melissa officinalis — Lemon Balm. As soon as you brush against its foliage, Melissa officinalis releases a fresh and soothing lemony fragrance that evokes evening herbal teas, herb gardens and promising summer crops. Its soft and bushy habit allows it to integrate as well into the herb beds as to the perennial vegetable gardens, where it quickly forms a beautiful luminous tuft. In summer, its small pale flowers attract a host of pollinators, including bees, enhancing its ecological value in diversified gardens. Easy to cultivate, hardy and undemanding once established, it thrives in well-drained soil and under a sunny to slightly shaded exposure.

Recommended planting period: April to June. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.2 to 0.5 cm (0.1 to 0.2 in). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the potting mix before moving the plants into their final growing location.

The mélisse, plant with lemony scent, is harvested by small deciduous stems. To plant the mélisse, choose an accessible location that allows you to contain the tuft and cut the flowers if you want to limit the spontaneous seedlings. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth. A labelled border makes it easy to find the herb flavour you want for a meal. Keep more vigorous vegetables from shading young herb plants while they are becoming established.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Perennial

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

0.2 to 0.5 cm (0.1 to 0.2 in.)

Germination temperature

18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F)

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

April to June

Propagation

Sowing

Growing method

Recommended planting period: April to June. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.2 to 0.5 cm (0.1 to 0.2 in). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the potting mix before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use. If you want to dry an herb harvest, spread it in a thin layer in a well-ventilated place protected from direct sunlight. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Moisture

Keep the potting mix moist during emergence, without standing water; then adjust watering to suit the crop

Watering

Officinal Mélisse: Water gently after sowing to maintain wet substrate without moving seeds. During the installation and production of foliage, check regularly the freshness of the soil and bring water to the foot when necessary. Avoid complete drying of young roots as well as prolonged saturation. When growing in containers, keep a close eye on the humidity in warm weather. The pot must allow excess water to drain; adapt the inputs to rain and exposure.

Soil type

Prepare well-drained soil for planting. Loosen the planting area without working waterlogged soil. Young roots need consistent moisture in an airy growing medium, without water remaining around the plant’s crown. Keeping the surface clear makes it easier to check soil moisture and manage the first waterings. For container growing, use a suitable potting mix in a pot with open drainage holes. Avoid using compacted garden soil, which can prevent water from draining through the limited space inside a pot.

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.

Seasonal care

The mélisse, plant with lemony scent, is harvested by small deciduous stems. To plant the mélisse, choose an accessible location that allows you to contain the tuft and cut the flowers if you want to limit the spontaneous seedlings. Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the potting mix before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use. If you want to dry an herb harvest, spread it in a thin layer in a well-ventilated place protected from direct sunlight. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once. Prepare clean, healthy leaves shortly before the meal when you are ready to use them. If you also want to enjoy the flowers, keep some stems intact. This lets you separate the area reserved for leaf harvests from the flowering area left for visiting insects. As soon as you brush against its foliage, Melissa officinalis releases a fresh and soothing lemony fragrance that evokes evening herbal teas, herb gardens and promising summer crops.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots

Choose a location in full sun to partial shade. Reserve this spread around the plant: 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in). A thin herb containing it remains easy to move to adjust its exposure. The pot should allow the roots to breathe and evacuate excess water. Repeated harvests are made more cleanly when the foliage freely exceeds the edge. Turn the container occasionally if the light comes from one side only. Adapt the watering to the species rather than treat all the herbs of a gardener in the same way. As soon as you brush against its foliage, Melissa officinalis releases a fresh and soothing lemony fragrance that evokes evening herbal teas, herb gardens and promising summer crops. Its soft and bushy habit allows it to integrate as well into the herb beds as to the perennial vegetable gardens, where it quickly forms a beautiful luminous tuft. In summer, its small pale flowers attract a host of pollinators, including bees, enhancing its ecological value in diversified gardens. Easy to cultivate, hardy and undemanding once established, it thrives in well-drained soil and under a sunny to slightly shaded exposure.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

60 cm (24 in.)

Width / spread

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Growth habit

Bushy

Edible parts

Leaves

Bloom period

Flowering usually occurs in this period: June to August. In summer, its small pale flowers attract a host of pollinators, including bees, enhancing its ecological value in diversified gardens. Decide whether to prolong the display of flowers or leave a few stems to develop seeds. Deadheading suits many flowering annuals, while seed capsules and dried flower clusters may also provide ornamental interest.

Fruiting

As soon as you brush against its foliage, Melissa officinalis releases a fresh and soothing lemony fragrance that evokes evening herbal teas, herb gardens and promising summer crops. Its fresh leaves also find their place in the kitchen, in infusions, drinks, desserts or light salads. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once.

Harvest

June to September

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

In a diverse planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: lavender, mint, rosemary. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen.

Garden use

An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth. A labelled border makes it easy to find the herb flavour you want for a meal. Keep more vigorous vegetables from shading young herb plants while they are becoming established. Its soft and bushy habit allows it to integrate as well into the herb beds as to the perennial vegetable gardens, where it quickly forms a beautiful luminous tuft. As soon as you brush against its foliage, Melissa officinalis releases a fresh and soothing lemony fragrance that evokes evening herbal teas, herb gardens and promising summer crops. In summer, its small pale flowers attract a host of pollinators, including bees, enhancing its ecological value in diversified gardens. Easy to cultivate, hardy and undemanding once established, it thrives in well-drained soil and under a sunny to slightly shaded exposure. Its fresh leaves also find their place in the kitchen, in infusions, drinks, desserts or light salads. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Kitchen idea with Mélisse complinale: aromatic infusion for two cups. Use a small teaspoon of dried leaves or flowers for food use, depending on the plant, for 250 ml of hot water. Prepare two cups separately, let infuse for five to ten minutes, then filter. Taste before adding some honey. For German chamomile, use the flower heads; for leafy aromatics, use the healthy and clean leaves. This preparation is offered for its fragrance and taste, for an aromatic tasting. Prepare all the ingredients using clean kitchen utensils, and choose the size of the cut pieces according to the size of the produce you harvested. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lemon Balm from seed?

Recommended planting period: April to June. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.2 to 0.5 cm (0.1 to 0.2 in). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the potting mix before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage.

Can I grow Lemon Balm in a container?

Choose a location in full sun to partial shade. Reserve this spread around the plant: 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in). A thin herb containing it remains easy to move to adjust its exposure. The pot should allow the roots to breathe and evacuate excess water. Repeated harvests are made more cleanly when the foliage freely exceeds the edge. Turn the container occasionally if the light comes from one side only. Adapt the watering to the species rather than treat all the herbs of a gardener in the same way. As soon as you brush against its foliage, Melissa officinalis releases a fresh and soothing lemony fragrance that evokes evening herbal teas, herb gardens and promising summer crops.

When can I harvest Lemon Balm?

As soon as you brush against its foliage, Melissa officinalis releases a fresh and soothing lemony fragrance that evokes evening herbal teas, herb gardens and promising summer crops. Its fresh leaves also find their place in the kitchen, in infusions, drinks, desserts or light salads. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once. Prepare clean, healthy leaves shortly before the meal when you are ready to use them. If you also want to enjoy the flowers, keep some stems intact. This lets you separate the area reserved for leaf harvests from the flowering area left for visiting insects.

What makes Lemon Balm distinctive in the garden?

The mélisse, plant with lemony scent, is harvested by small deciduous stems. To plant the mélisse, choose an accessible location that allows you to contain the tuft and cut the flowers if you want to limit the spontaneous seedlings. As soon as you brush against its foliage, Melissa officinalis releases a fresh and soothing lemony fragrance that evokes evening herbal teas, herb gardens and promising summer crops. Its soft and bushy habit allows it to integrate as well into the herb beds as to the perennial vegetable gardens, where it quickly forms a beautiful luminous tuft. In summer, its small pale flowers attract a host of pollinators, including bees, enhancing its ecological value in diversified gardens.

How should I arrange a planting of Lemon Balm?

An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth. A labelled border makes it easy to find the herb flavour you want for a meal. Keep more vigorous vegetables from shading young herb plants while they are becoming established. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use.