Lemon Balm Seeds - Melissa Officinalis

Lemon Balm Seeds (Melissa officinalis) - Premium UK Garden Herb Seeds

Transform Your Garden with Nature's Most Beloved Bee Magnet

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - the legendary "bee herb" that has enchanted gardeners and pollinators for over 2000 years. These premium quality seeds will establish a fragrant, perennial herb garden that attracts beneficial insects while providing culinary delights and natural wellness benefits.

Why Choose Lemon Balm for Your UK Garden?

🐝 Pollinator Paradise: Cultivated since the 16th century specifically to attract honey bees, with ancient Greeks believing it would keep bees near their hives 🌿 Easy Growing: Thrives in almost any soil and tolerates partial shade to full sun ☕ Culinary Herb: Fresh lemony flavour perfect for teas, salads, and cooking 💚 Health Benefits: Traditional use for relaxation, stress relief, and cold sore treatment 🌱 Self-Seeding: Returns annually without replanting once established

Historical Significance & Traditional Uses

Lemon balm was historically valued for improving memory, reducing fever, and treating melancholy, with Thomas Jefferson growing it in his gardens. Known as a "tonic that raises the spirits" with modern research confirming its effectiveness for cold sores.

Wildlife & Pollinator Benefits

Bee Magnet: Often called "Bee Balm" due to its popularity with pollinators Long Flowering Season: Provides nectar from June through September Butterfly Attractant: Loved by various butterfly species and beneficial insects Natural Pest Deterrent: Helps deter mosquitoes naturally

Complete UK Growing Guide

Seed Germination Requirements

Critical Success Factors:

• Temperature: Maintain 18-21°C for optimal germination
• Light: Seeds need ample light - do not cover completely
• Stratification: Cold stratify seeds for 7 days in refrigerator
• Timing: Expect germination in 5-9 days under ideal conditions
• Humidity: Maintain 70-80% humidity using propagator or plastic covering

Step-by-Step Sowing Instructions

Indoor Sowing (March-April):

• Pre-Treatment: Cold stratify seeds in damp paper towel for 7 days
• Containers: Use seed trays or 9cm pots with drainage holes
• Growing Medium: Quality seed compost mixed with perlite (3:1 ratio), pH 6.5-7.0
• Sowing: Scatter seeds on surface, press gently but don't cover
• Watering: Mist with spray bottle to avoid disturbing seeds
• Covering: Use clear plastic or propagator lid to maintain humidity
• Positioning: South-facing windowsill or heated propagator at 18-21°C
• Daily Care: Remove condensation daily, maintain consistent moisture

Direct Sowing (May-June):

• Timing: After last frost when night temperatures stay above 10°C
• Soil Prep: Rake soil to fine tilth, remove weeds and stones
• Location: Sunny to partially shaded (4-6 hours sunlight minimum)
• Sowing: Broadcast seeds thinly, rake lightly to press into soil surface
• Protection: Use fleece or cloches during cool spells
• Watering: Use fine rose attachment to avoid washing seeds away

Seedling Development

Week 1-2: First true leaves appear Week 3-4: Develop 2-3 pairs of true leaves - begin weekly liquid feed Week 5-6: Ready for pricking out or thinning Week 7-8: Hardening off period before transplanting

Establishment & Care

Transplanting Process:

• Timing: When seedlings reach 8-10cm with strong root system
• Hardening Off: Gradually acclimatise over 7-10 days
• Site Selection: Well-drained soil, pH 6.0-7.5, morning sun preferred
• Planting: Dig holes 2x root ball size, plant at same depth as pot
• Spacing: 30-45cm apart to allow natural spreading
• Initial Care: Water thoroughly, shade for first week if needed

Ongoing Maintenance:

• Watering: Deep weekly watering until established (6-8 weeks)
• Mulching: 5cm organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Feeding: Compost tea monthly during growing season
• Pruning: Pinch growing tips when 15cm tall to encourage bushiness

Harvesting & Processing

Optimal Harvest Times:

• Best Flavor: Morning after dew dries but before heat of day
• Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks during growing season
• Method: Cut stems 1/3 from ground level, never more than half the plant

Preservation Methods:

• Drying: Hang bundles in warm, dry, dark location
• Freezing: Chop fresh leaves, freeze in ice cube trays with water
• Oils: Infuse in olive oil for culinary use
• Vinegar: Create herb vinegar for salad dressings

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Poor Germination: Check temperature, light exposure, and seed age Leggy Seedlings: Increase light intensity or reduce temperature Damping Off: Improve air circulation, reduce watering frequency Aphid Infestation: Spray with soapy water or encourage ladybirds Aggressive Spreading: Regular division and deadheading controls growth

Companion Planting

Good Companions: Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, roses Benefits: Deters pests, attracts beneficial insects Avoid: Rue and other allelopathic herbs

Culinary & Wellness Applications

Kitchen Uses:

• Fresh leaves in salads and fruit dishes
• Excellent tea from fresh or dried leaves
• Natural flavoring for fish and vegetable dishes
• Preserve in vinegar or oil for year-round use

Traditional Remedies:

• Antibacterial, antispasmodic, and antiviral properties
• Calming bedtime tea for better sleep
• Studies show mood improvement and anxiety reduction

Perfect for:

Wildlife-friendly gardens • Herb gardens and kitchen plots • Natural aromatherapy gardens • Beginner-friendly herb growing • Companion planting with vegetables

Fast-Growing Results: From seed to harvest in just 6-8 weeks Long-Term Value: Perennial herb returns annually for decades Bee-Friendly Choice: Support declining pollinator populations

Order today and discover why lemon balm has been treasured by gardeners for over 2000 years!