Plants: Melissa officinalis - Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis - Lemon Balm

Heirloom - Medicinal 18-24 in. Hardy Perennial | Pleasant, lemon-scented leaves make a delightfully tasty tea, said to be calming for children and helpful for stomach upsets. In the 14th century, the French King Charles V drank this tea daily to stay healthy. Best begun in flats indoors and moved to a permanent location when plants are 3- inches tall. Can also be sown directly into prepared garden soil in mid-spring as soon as the soil has warmed. Enrich soil with mature compost and harvest leaves from mature plants at anytime before frost. Pinch off flowers to keep the plant productive.