Melissa officinalis

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Melissa officinalis
Also known as: Lemon balm
Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer, Soil
Format: Smal
Height: 0.70 m
Width: 0.40 m
Growth Rate: -
Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Condiment, Tea
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(5)
Features:
Ethereal oil, Bee plant, Fragrant

Description

Leaves - raw or cooked. These leaves have a pleasant lemon aroma and flavor, and are often used as a seasoning in salads and warm dishes. Fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a lemon-flavored tea. A handful of leaves can be added to Chinese tea for a more refined taste. Additionally, they are also used to enhance the flavor of fruit cocktails. These leaves are employed as a flavor enhancer in various alcoholic beverages, including Chartreuse and Benedictine liqueur.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/06
End of Harvest: 15/09

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild Description
Corylus avellana
Hazel 		Hazel provides nitrogen-fixing properties to the soil and can serve as a windbreak for sensitive plants like lemon balm.
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow, Boreal yarrow, California yarrow, Giant yarrow, Coast yarrow, Western yarrow, Pacific yarrow 		Yarrow attracts beneficial insects and enhances the aromatic quality of the garden when planted alongside lemon balm.
Thymus vulgaris
Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme 		Thyme can help repel pests that might bother lemon balm and is a great culinary companion.
Rubus idaeus
Raspberry 		Raspberry provides ground cover that helps retain moisture in the soil while lemon balm thrives in similar growing conditions.
Ficus carica
Fig 		Fig trees can provide shade to lemon balm, which prefers partial shade, and enhances biodiversity.