Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
meh-LISS-uh oh-fiss-ih-NAL-iss
Edibles: Herb
Min. Temp
Tender: 36°
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
White
Blooming Time
Early Summer - Late Summer
Habit
Mounding
Height
18–24 in
Spread
18–24 in
Form
Panicle
Characteristics
Type
Open-Pollinated
Safety
Edible Parts
Growth Rate
Fast
Tolerance/Resistance
Cold Hardy
Attracts
Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators; Attracts Beneficial Insects
Uses/Placement
Culinary
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun - Part Shade
Soil Texture
Loamy
Soil Drainage
Moderately well-drained
Soil Moisture
Average to Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
PH Correction
High pH can reduce nutrient uptake
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Light Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Rooting & Blooming
Fertilizer Timing
Early Spring
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Vegetative propagation permitted
Division Timing
Rarely Needs Division
Fruit and Pollination
Days to Harvest
70 Days
Fruit Size
Medium
Fruit Characteristics
Lemon Fresh
Ploidy
Diploid