Citronella Balm 50 fresh Seeds (Melissa officinalis)

🌱 Melissa officinalis — Lemon Balm

Citronella Balm 50 fresh Seeds of Melissa officinalis are a high-quality product for gardening enthusiasts and herbalists. This plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, known for its strong, pleasant smell of lemon and a bitter-spicy taste. It is an excellent honey plant and a popular choice for its medicinal properties.

🌿 Botanical Description

Melissa officinalis is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm high, forming a rosette of leaves. It can live for 3-5 years in one place, but can grow up to 10 years. The greenery is harvested at the beginning of flowering, starting from the 2nd year, with 2-3 cuttings of young shoots along with leaves made per season.

🌾 Growing & Agrotechnics

• Sow seeds 1-2 mm deep in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Provide indirect light and maintain a temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F) for germination.
• Germination takes 60 days, and the yield of green mass is 4.3 kg/m2.
• Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9. Frost tolerance: moderate.

🗺️ Natural Growing Areas

Melissa officinalis is native to Europe and Asia, growing in temperate climates with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It thrives in areas with a moderate climate and can tolerate some frost.

✨ Interesting Facts

Lemon balm has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, including reducing shortness of breath, heart pain, and helping with colic and neuroses. It is also valued for its high content of vitamin C, carotene, and essential oils, making it a popular choice for herbal remedies and teas.

Young leaves are eaten fresh and dried, used as a seasoning for salads, meat, and fish dishes, and brewed as tea. It is also used to flavor liqueurs and tinctures.