Melissa officinalis aka Lemon Balm
Taxonomy
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, but now naturalised elsewhere. It is an aromatic green wonder that is very easy to take care of, with a long history as a medicine and cooking ingredient. It grows to a maximum height of 1 m (3 ft 3 in) and has a tetrahedral stem covered with short, gentle hairs. The leaves are petiolated, ovate or rounded-rhombic in shape, and have a mild lemon scent. From June to August, small white flowers full of nectar appear, and the plant bears shiny black seeds. It is not to be confused with bee balm (genus Monarda); although the white flowers attract bees, hence the genus Melissa (Greek for "honey bee"), it is grown as an ornamental plant, for its oil (to use in perfumery), and for its use as a herb, in teas and also as a flavoring. Lemon balm is often called an “elixir of life”, and its leaves and oils are commonly used in herbal medicine and as a flavoring.
Common names
Lemon Balm, BalmHow to care for Lemon Balm
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Lemon Balm, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Lemon Balm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Lemon Balm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Lemon Balm prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Lemon Balm plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Lemon Balm is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
The Lemon Balm does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Region of origin
Lemon Balm’s native range is Europe and Asia.
Flower
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Lemon Balm blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia
