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An image of the plant grown with seed for Lemon Balm Seeds - Melissa officinalis, Natural Mosquito Repellent, Aromatic Perennial Herb, Ideal for Teas & Cocktails
  • An image of the plant grown with seed for Lemon Balm Seeds - Melissa officinalis, Natural Mosquito Repellent, Aromatic Perennial Herb, Ideal for Teas & Cocktails
Lemon Balm Seeds - Melissa officinalis, Natural Mosquito Repellent, Aromatic Perennial Herb, Ideal for Teas & Cocktails
$3.99 CAD
Maturity

365 Days
Sunlight

Full Sun
Watering

Regular

Difficulty

Easy to grow
Life cycle

Perennial
Grow Zones

4 - 9

Quick Reference

Zones

Plant Hardiness Zones describe the average minimum winter temperature for a region. They tell you where a plant can reliably survive outdoors. For example, Zone 5 can handle colder winters than Zone 9. Matching a plant to your zone increases the chance of long-term success.

Days

  • For food crops: Days to maturity is the expected number of days from planting to first harvest. This helps gardeners plan their growing season and time their harvests.
  • For non-food plants: Days to germination indicates how long it usually takes seeds to sprout under normal conditions. This is key for starting seeds successfully.

Types

  • F1 (Hybrid): A cross between two parent varieties. Hybrids are bred for vigor, uniformity, and specific traits such as disease resistance. Seeds saved from F1 plants don’t grow true to type. That means if you try to regrow them from seed, the plant won't necessarily be the same as last year's
  • OP (Open-Pollinated): Varieties that naturally pollinate and remain stable across generations. Seeds can be saved and replanted with consistent results.
  • HM (Heirloom): An open-pollinated variety that has been handed down for many generations. Heirlooms are valued for flavor, tradition, and genetic diversity.

Grows

  • Outdoors: Well-suited for garden beds, raised beds, or open soil, where natural conditions are stable.
  • Windowsill: Compact plants that thrive in containers indoors, often needing only modest light.
  • Anywhere: Highly adaptable plants that perform reliably in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Lifecycle

  • Annual: Grows, flowers, sets seed, and dies in one growing season. Many vegetables and flowers are annuals.
  • Perennial: Lives for multiple years, regrowing each season after going dormant. Often used in landscaping or long-term food crops.
  • Sp. Perennial (Self-Perennializing): A plant that reseeds itself or self-pollinates, giving the effect of perennial growth even if individual plants live shorter lives.

Size

Indicates the recommended container size or soil depth for best growth.

  • “X″ Pot”: The ideal pot diameter (e.g., 5″ Pot), ensuring enough root space.
  • DS (Deep Soil): Requires planting directly in the ground or in a deep raised bed, as shallow pots restrict growth.
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  • Aromatic Foliage: Rub the fragrant leaves for a natural mosquito repellent, while adding a fresh, citrusy scent to your garden.
  • Growth & Care: Thrives in light, sandy soil with moderate watering, preferring at least 5 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Quick Germination: Seeds sprout within 7-14 days at optimal temperatures of 18-23°C (68-75°F), reaching up to 11 inches in height.
  • Culinary Delight: Perfect for spiking teas, gins, and Tom Collins cocktails, adding a zesty lemon flavor to your beverages.
  • Perennial Plant: Enjoy harvests year after year from this durable and resilient herb, suitable for indoor and outdoor gardening.

Experience the delightful aroma and practical benefits of Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis. This perennial herb is perfect for any garden, offering lush, lemon-scented foliage that acts as a natural mosquito repellent. Plant Lemon Balm seeds in light, sandy soil with organic matter for optimal growth. With a quick germination period of 7-14 days, this herb is both easy to grow and rewarding.

Ideal for culinary enthusiasts, Lemon Balm's leaves can be used to infuse teas or add a refreshing twist to cocktails. Enjoy the perennial harvests year after year, whether grown indoors or outdoors. Transform your garden into a fragrant haven and enjoy evenings free from mosquitoes with this versatile herb.
Size
How much seed do I need?

Seeds per gram: 1,500
Average germination rate: 80%

Package sizes

  • 2 grams — 3,000 seeds — 2,400 plants — covers about 1,200–2,400 sq. ft.

Plant growth and coverage

  • Bushy, mounding perennial habit with aromatic, lemon-scented foliage
  • Height: up to 28 cm (11 in)
  • Spread: 25–35 cm (10–14 in)
  • Spacing: 20–30 cm (8–12 in) between plants
  • At 8–12 in spacing, expect roughly 0.5–1.0 sq. ft. of coverage per plant

Choosing a packet size

  • The 2-gram packet suits home gardeners and community gardens seeking generous plantings for borders, containers, and kitchen use; sow all at once for a full bed or in staggered waves for continuous harvest.
  • Multiple 2-gram packets are best for market growers or landscapers establishing larger herb beds, pollinator strips, or mass plantings across multiple sites or successions.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Sow Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use light, sandy soil enriched with organic matter. Lightly cover the seeds and keep them moist until germination, which occurs in 7-14 days.

Once seedlings have several true leaves, transplant them outdoors after hardening off. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart in a sunny location. Lemon Balm prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering.

To care for Lemon Balm, regularly prune to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering. Harvest leaves as needed for culinary uses or as a natural mosquito repellent. Enjoy the perennial benefits as it returns each year.
SHIPPING & RETURNS

In Canada, we use fast shipping from our Canadian warehouses. You can expect delivery in 1-3 days.

In the USA, We use our US warehouses, and you can expect your order in 1-3 days, too.

No postaged lettermail or slow shipping from across the world. No customs fees or orders withheld at the border. Tracking numbers for all orders.

We strive to process and ship all orders in a timely manner, working diligently to ensure that your items are on their way to you as soon as possible. Our return policy covers you for late, damaged or defective products.

 Read Our Shipping & Returns Policy

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