Melissa officinalis aka Lemon Balm
Taxonomy ID: 1384
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, Beebalm, MelissaMore information about Lemon Balm
How difficult is it to take care of Lemon Balm
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.
What is the region of origin of Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm’s native range is Europe and Asia.
What are the water needs for Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Lemon Balm
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Lemon Balm
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.
What's the right humidity for Lemon Balm
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.
Is Lemon Balm toxic to humans/pets?
Lemon Balm is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
What seasonal care does Lemon Balm need?
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.
Is Lemon Balm flowering?
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Lemon Balm blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia
