Zodiac Seed Packet, Virgo
$3.50
The Virgoan maiden offers up some freshly-harvested lemon balm.This healing herb makes a delicious and soothing tea and is used in many herbal preparations.
Also available in the zodiac collection tin.
Designed by Carolyn Dugas of Studio Gooz.
Melissa officinalis
Lemon scented leaves are used in many herbal preparations and to make a delicious tea. Plants reach 24" tall and spread very easily. Easy-to-grow by direct seed or transplant. Full sun to partial shade. Perennial. (0.1 Gram Packet)
- Planting Information
- Seed Saving Information
| Average Seed / oz | Seed / 100' Row | Average Yield / 100' Row | Days to Harvest |
| 41600 | n/a | n/a | 65-75 |
| Planting Season | Ideal Soil Temp | Sun | Frost Tolerance |
| After Last Frost | 65-80°F | Full/Part | Frost Sensitive |
| Sowing Method | Seed Depth | Direct Seed Spacing | Seeds Per Packet |
| Direct Seed | surface | 4-6" | 180 |
| Mature Spacing | Days to Sprout | Production Cycle | Seed Viability |
| 18-24" | 10-20 | Perennial | 2-3 years |
Bed Preparation
Lemon Balm is a perennial that can be grown in a variety of soils but prefers moist, well-drained loam with a pH between 4.5 and 7.6. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade.
Planting
Seeds germinate best if cold stratified for one week prior to planting. Seeds can be started indoors or direct sow outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds 4-6" apart on soil surface and press lightly to settle. Seeds will sprout in 10-20 days. Thin seedlings so that mature plants are 18-24" apart.
Keep adequately moist for first year until plants become well established. Drought tolerant once established.
Harvest
Harvest anytime during the growing season. Harvest plant parts by cutting above ground parts, which quickly regrow giving you multiple harvests in a season.
Storage
Parts can be used fresh or dry. Store dried plants in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.
Seed Saving
Lemon Balm seed matures in summer/fall. Plants spread readily by seed. Seed is ready to harvest when the flowers have dried brown and seeds are black. Store seeds in a cool, dry place.