Lemon Balm Live Herb Plants (Melissa officinalis) pack or 3

Enjoy fresh lemon fragrance just a few steps from your kitchen with Lemon Balm live herb plants. Melissa officinalis is a perennial member of the mint family, valued for its aromatic leaves and versatility in herbal teas, refreshing drinks, and everyday cooking. Gently brush the foliage or pick a few leaves to release its bright citrus scent.

Plant Highlights

• Botanical name: Melissa officinalis.
• Plant type: Perennial culinary and aromatic herb.
• Fragrance: Refreshing, lemon-scented foliage.
• Garden interest: Small white flowers attract bees when plants are allowed to bloom.
• Growing spaces: Herb beds, kitchen gardens, and outdoor containers.

Planting Your Live Herbs

Unpack plants promptly on arrival and check the moisture of the root ball. If dry, water gently and allow excess water to drain. Gradually introduce plants to outdoor conditions before planting.

Choose a sunny to partly shaded location with well-drained soil; afternoon shade can be helpful in hot climates. Plant with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, gently firm around the roots, and water thoroughly.

Container Growing Instructions

• Container: Choose a pot with drainage holes and room for roots to expand.
• Potting mix: Use a fresh, well-draining container mix rather than heavy garden soil.
• Planting depth: Keep the plant at the same soil level as in its nursery container.
• Watering: Check the mix regularly. Water when the surface begins to dry and allow excess water to drain freely. Do not leave the pot standing in water.
• Feeding: If needed, use a fertilizer suitable for edible container herbs at the label rate, accounting for fertilizer already in the potting mix.

Ongoing Care

Keep soil evenly moist while plants establish without making it waterlogged. Trim regularly for fresh growth and a tidy shape. Lemon balm can spread and self-seed, so remove flower stalks before seeds mature if you want to limit volunteer plants. Containers help manage root spread but do not prevent self-seeding.

As a perennial, lemon balm may die back during cold weather and regrow when suitable conditions return. Winter survival depends on local climate and growing conditions; container roots need additional protection from severe freezing.

Harvest and Kitchen Uses

Allow newly planted herbs to establish before harvesting lightly. Snip fresh leaves as needed for herbal teas, summer drinks, salads, dressings, pesto, poultry, seafood, and fruit dishes. Dry or freeze leaves for later culinary use.

What You Are Purchasing

This listing is for 3 live lemon balm herb plants, not seeds.