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, Balm

How 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

Lemon Balm thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Balm.

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.

Cat approves this plant

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