Plant Details

Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Melissa officinalis.

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General Information

Scientific name: Melissa officinalis
Also known as: Lemon balm

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Size: Small
Height: 0.70 m
Width: 0.40 m
Growth Rate: None
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Condiment, Tea
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(5)
Features:
Essential oil, Bee forage, 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