HERB ‘Lemon Balm’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
- Perennial herb with citrus-mint aroma.
- Excellent for tea, salads, and pollinator-friendly gardens.
- Grows well as a microgreen or mature plant.
- Ideal for containers, borders, and semi-shaded herb gardens.
- Low maintenance and regenerates each year with pruning.
Lemon Balm is a fragrant, easy-to-grow perennial with bright green, textured leaves and a fresh lemon scent. Its soft foliage makes a soothing tea and a flavourful herb for fresh dishes or drying. Loved by bees and beneficial insects, Lemon Balm is a pollinator magnet that also offers calming herbal properties. It thrives in cool, shaded areas and is well suited to New Zealand gardens, especially when grown in damp, rich soils with some protection from full sun.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Hardy perennial herb
- Plant Height: 60–80 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 10–14 days at 15–25°C
- Depth: Sow 3 mm deep
- Position: Partial shade or morning sun
- Sow Where: Direct in beds or start in trays for transplanting
- Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.5)
- Spacing: 50 cm between plants
Growing Tips
- Pinch tips regularly to prevent early flowering and promote bushy growth.
- Harvest before flowering for best aroma and flavour.
- Cut back hard in late summer to encourage new regrowth.
- Suitable for edging garden beds or growing in large containers.
Harvest
- Microgreens: 24–30 days after sowing
- Herb: Begin harvesting once plants reach 15–20 cm; full harvest in 60–75 days
When to Sow Lemon Balm in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | March – October | Plant in partial shade and water well during dry periods. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Hawke’s Bay) | September – April | Mulch heavily and prune back regularly for compact growth. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | August – March | Start early in trays and transplant into damp, rich soil. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Otago, Canterbury) | September – December | Start indoors; provide frost protection and shade from hot sun. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 10–14 days |
| Sowing Depth | 3 mm |
| Watering | Keep evenly moist; avoid soggy conditions |
| Plant Height | 60–80 cm |
| Soil Type | Fertile, well-drained, high organic matter |
| Spacing | 50 cm |
| Sunlight | Partial shade preferred |
