Melissa officinalis
HR65 CITRONELLALemon Balm Seeds
This is the most fragrant variety available with an essential oil content up to .4%. Fresh or dried leaves are made into a wonderful calming lemon-scented tea (sweeten with honey). Fresh leaves can be used to give a lemony tang to salads and drinks. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Compact, mildew resistant 10-12 inch plants. Winter hardy to zone 4. Packet is 1/4 gram, about 400 seeds.
HR67 QUEDLINBURGER NIEDERLIEGENDELemon Balm Seeds
This variety has a higher essential oil content (.2%), higher yields, and better winter hardiness than common lemon balm. Fresh or dried leaves are made into a wonderful calming lemon-scented tea (sweeten with honey) that is used to treat stress, indigestion and headaches. Fresh leaves can be used to give a lemony tang to salads and drinks. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Grows to 2-feet tall. Winter hardy to zone 4. Packet is 1/2 gram, about 800 seeds.
How to Plant LEMON BALM SeedsSow seed in flats or cell packs, press into soil but do not cover. Needs light to germinate. Kept at 65-75 degrees F., germination is in 7-21 days. Or, direct sow in spring or early fall one seed per inch, in rows 18-24 inches apart. Thin to 1 foot apart. Comments: Full sun or partial shade. Prefers fertile soil with regular water, will tolerate poor, dry soils. For best fragrance, harvest before plants flower, cutting entire plant back to 2 inches tall. Optimum flavor when used fresh. For tea, both leaves and stems can be dried.
