Lemon Balm - 4" Pot

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), commonly known as balm mint or sweet balm, is a vigorous perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia but now widely naturalized and cultivated worldwide. This bushy plant grows 1–3 feet tall with square stems, heart-shaped or ovate, crinkled bright-green leaves, and small white to pale pink flowers that attract bees (hence "Melissa," Greek for honey bee). Its leaves release a strong, refreshing lemon-mint fragrance when crushed, due to essential oils like citral and citronellal. Easy to grow in sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil, it spreads readily and thrives in gardens, containers, or as an ornamental edible.

Renowned for its soothing properties, lemon balm shines in culinary and herbal applications. Fresh or dried leaves flavor herbal teas, iced beverages, fruit salads, desserts, jams, sorbets, and liqueurs like Chartreuse; they add bright citrus notes to fish, poultry, soups, sauces, vinegars, herb butters, and salads. Medicinally, it's traditionally used for relaxation, reducing stress, anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, and cold sores via teas, tinctures, or topical applications. Fresh maximizes its zesty aroma and benefits, though it dries or freezes well for year-round use.

Mature Height: 3ft
Mature Width: 3ft
Light: Half Sun
Water: Moderate

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