Melissa officinalis Fragrant aroma and taste that is best described as lemony or citrusy with herbal undertones. A bushy culinary and medicinal herb, it’s leaves and flowers can be used both fresh or dried in cooking and aromatic teas. Characterized by its many soft, green leaves. Blooms are beloved by pollinators and honeybees. A great addition to your herb and pollinator gardens.
Growing Notes
Starting indoors: Sow 6-8 weeks before your last frost. Tamp seeds lightly into soil surface, as seeds require light to germinate. Keep surface moist until germination. Days to Germ: 7-14 days at 65-70°F. Transplant in pots when have 4 true leaves. Trans- plant outdoors after danger of frost with 12" spacing.
Direct seed: Direct seed in spring after danger of frost has passed; sow 1 seed per inch. Tamp lightly into the soil surface, as the seeds require light to germinate; keep moist until germination occurs. Thin if desired for stronger stand up to 12" apart in rows 2' apart. Removing flower stalks encourages new leaves and prevents self- seeding. Grows best in well-drained soil in full sun.