Lemon Balm, Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has intensely lemon-scented leaves that make the most refreshing, calming tea you'll ever taste. This vigorous perennial spreads enthusiastically (some say too much!), but the fresh leaves in water or tea are absolutely worth it.

Lemon Balm: This vigorous perennial herb, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), releases an intense, calming lemon fragrance from its crinkled foliage, perfect for aromatherapy and delicious culinary uses. Use the citrus-scented leaves for calming tea, stress relief, desserts, fruit salads, and fish dishes. Fair warning: this plant spreads enthusiastically through self-seeding, so deadhead flowers to control its spread or embrace the lemony abundance.

• Growing Tips: Transplant after the last frost, spacing 12-18 inches apart; plants spread vigorously and may need containment strategies.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.

• Preferred Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates a wide range of conditions.

• Harvest Details: Cut leaves anytime for fresh or dried use; harvest stems before flowering for optimal flavor; rapid regrowth; perennial that returns each spring in zones 4-9.