Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a robust perennial mint-family herb with a lemony scent. It grows vigorously, is undemanding and thrives in soil, coco and hydro.

Actualizado:

Important notes

in a bed: Lemon balm self-seeds readily and spreads. Cut it back before it sets seed or keep it in a pot.

Luz

Bright to full sun, 14–16 h; tolerates some part shade.

Riego

Keep evenly moist; likes things slightly damper than Mediterranean herbs, but no waterlogging.

Temperatura

18–28 °C; hardy, re-sprouts in spring.

Humedad

50–65 %.

Valores objetivo por método y fase

Hydro
Fase pH EC (mS/cm) Agua °C Aire °C Humedad % Luz h Duración (días)
Germinación 5.8–6.5 0.4–0.8 18–22 18–24 60–70 15 14
Plántula 5.8–6.5 0.8–1.2 18–22 16–24 55–65 15 25
Vegetativo 5.8–6.7 1.2–1.8 18–22 18–28 50–65 15 35
Cosecha 5.8–6.7 1.2–1.6 18–22 18–28 50–65 14 35
Tierra
Fase pH EC (mS/cm) Agua °C Aire °C Humedad % Luz h Duración (días)
Germinación 6.1–6.8 0.4–0.8 18–24 60–70 15 14
Plántula 6.1–6.8 0.8–1.2 16–24 55–65 15 25
Vegetativo 6.1–7 1.2–1.8 18–28 50–65 15 35
Cosecha 6.1–7 1.2–1.6 18–28 50–65 14 35
Coco
Fase pH EC (mS/cm) Agua °C Aire °C Humedad % Luz h Duración (días)
Germinación 5.8–6.5 0.4–0.8 18–22 18–24 60–70 15 14
Plántula 5.8–6.5 0.8–1.2 18–22 16–24 55–65 15 25
Vegetativo 5.8–6.7 1.2–1.8 18–22 18–28 50–65 15 35
Cosecha 5.8–6.7 1.2–1.6 18–22 18–28 50–65 14 35

Problemas comunes

Mildew in still air, rust fungi, aphids; goes bare without trimming.

Pests & diseases

Pest / Disease Symptom Organic treatment
Aphids sticky shoots rinse off, beneficials
Powdery mildew white coating on leaves airflow, cut back

Edible parts

  • Leaves · edible from Vegetativo — for tea and lemonade

Técnicas de rendimiento

Harvest before flowering (peak aroma); a hard cut-back drives fresh, aromatic regrowth.

Propagation & pollination

Method
seed
Germination time
14 days
Germination temp
18-22 °C
Sowing depth
0.2 cm
Pollination
insect
Hand pollination needed
no

light germinator; also division/cuttings

Flavor

lemony, mild minty

Storage

Fresh or dried for tea.

History

Lemon balm comes from the eastern Mediterranean and was valued by Greeks and Romans as a calming herb and bee forage.

Nutrition

Contains essential oils (citronellal) and antioxidants, considered calming.

Sources

Florabase

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