Description

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a bushy, aromatic herb that grows up to 90 cm (3 feet) tall. It has bright green, oval-shaped, serrated leaves with a strong lemon scent. The small white or pale yellow flowers bloom in late summer and attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.

This plant thrives in a variety of soils but prefers moist, well-drained, fertile conditions. It spreads easily by seed and root division, making it an excellent companion plant but also potentially invasive if not managed.

🌞💧 Sun and Water Requirements:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Requires well-drained, fertile soil with moderate moisture.
- Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from consistent watering.

✂️🫘 Methods to Propagate:
- Seeds: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow in spring.
- Cuttings: Root cuttings in water or soil.
- Division: Established plants can be divided and replanted.

🧑‍🌾👩‍🌾 When to Harvest:
- Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season for fresh use.
- Best harvested in the morning before flowering for maximum essential oil concentration.
- Can be dried or used fresh for tea, tinctures, and culinary applications.

Purpose

Lemon Balm serves multiple functions in a permaculture system:

- Edible: Leaves are used in teas, flavoring, and herbal medicine.
- Medicinal: Traditionally used for stress relief, digestive support, and antiviral properties.
- Pollinator: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.
- Wildlife Attractor: Provides nectar for butterflies and bees.
- Dynamic Accumulator: Enhances soil fertility by accumulating minerals like potassium.
- Border Plant: Works well in herb gardens, edges, and companion planting.
- Pest Management: Repels mosquitoes and other insects with its strong lemon scent.