Lemon balm(Melissa officinalis) is a perennial Mediterranean herb with an intense lemon aroma. Thehealing properties of lemon balm are appreciatedThis plant is also used in the kitchen as a spice plant, and in the garden it can accompany vegetables, improving their growth or perform decorative functions on a bed. See what it looks likegrowing lemon balm in the gardenand in a pot and when to sowlemon balm seeds
Lemon balm - Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm - application
The use of lemon balmcan be manifold. When planting it in the garden, it is worth taking advantage of its decorative, culinary and he alth benefits. For yearslemon balm has been valued as a honey plant , attracting bees to the garden. This lure are small, bright yellow lemon balm flowers that appear in spring and summer. In the past, lemon balm leaves were rubbed into new hives, which was to guarantee that they were settled by insects.
It is also worth usinglemon balm as an ornamental plantIt can be successfully planted on the outskirts of a flower bed for small hedges and borders up to 60 cm high. Its corrugated leaves look nice, ranging in color from intense green to green-yellow. If you want to take advantage of the decorative qualities of this plant, it is worth looking forlemon balm variety 'Variegata' , with leaves with a light edge. Thanks to the lemon balm, you will be able to feel a pleasant lemon aroma above the bed.For this reason, I also recommendlemon balm for planting in potson terraces and in scented gardens, in all places and corners where you can relax. It is also worth planting in the beds with cruciferous vegetables, as it favors their cultivation.
Lemon balm in the kitchenis an excellent addition to dishes and salads. For this purpose, fresh lemon balm leaves can be plucked throughout the growing season. Their intense lemon aroma makes them suitable for adding to lettuce, tomato or cucumber salad as a substitute for lemon juice sprinkling.Lemon balm is also usedas a seasoning for meats, especially poultry and fish. This herb goes well with fruit soups and desserts, and adding a few leaves to brewed tea or compote will enrich them with a pleasant lemon aroma.
Lemon balm - healing properties
Thehealing properties of lemon balmare also very valuable, which this plant owes mainly to the essential oils contained in its leaves.It has a calming effect, helps in the treatment of migraines, insomnia and neuroses, as well as digestive problems.
Melissa Oil(Oleum melisse) is also recommended for women suffering from menstrual pain. Theantibacterial properties of lemon balmare appreciated, thanks to which it can be used externally in the form of fresh herb compresses for abrasions, wounds, swollen areas and for insect bites.Lemon balm oilis sometimes used in antidepressant massage and in lung ailments. It's also a good insect repellent.
Lemon balm - cultivation
Lemon balm cultivationcan be grown both in pots and in a garden in the ground, where the plant can survive 3-4 years if properly secured for the winter. It should be remembered that as a herb from the Mediterranean regions, it is extremely thermophilic. Lemon balm requires a sunny position ( although it can also handle it in partial shade) and, if possible, sheltered from the wind. Soil requirements of lemon balmare not high, the plant grows well in any average garden soil. The soil ideal for lemon balm should be quite light but rich in humus, with a slightly acidic to neutral reaction.
When to sow lemon balm seeds?
Lemon balm seedsis best sown in the second half of March on a seedbed or at home in boxes on the window sill. The obtained seedling, after prior hardening, can be planted outside in the second half of May, when the risk of frost is over. If we do not have the conditions to prepare seedlings or we do not have enough space after sowing other plants,lemon balm seeds can be sownalso directly into the ground at the beginning of May.
Planting Lemon balm
Lemon balm seedlingsshould be grown 30x40 cm apart. Young plants are sensitive to overdrying, so after planting, the soil should be watered abundantly and then should not be allowed to dry out.Regular watering of lemon balm is necessary especially when grown in pots on balconies and terraces.When to collect lemon balm foxes?
Lemon balm herb is harvestedtwice - just before flowering or at its beginning (usually in June) and the second time in August. Whole plants or the leaves themselves, which are the most valuable herbal raw materials, are dried. It is best to collect leaves and leafy stems 10-15 cm long. In order to dry the cut plants or the detached leaves, spread loosely in a ventilated and shaded place with a temperature not exceeding 30 ° C.
Fresh lemon balm leaves , used as an addition to dishes, it can be harvested throughout the season from spring to autumn.
Note!Dried lemon balm loses its lemon flavor. Therefore, if we want to have an aromatic addition to the dishes, it is best to pick fresh leaves as needed.
Wintering lemon balm in the gardenis possible, however, it requires dredging the plants in the fall, before the onset of frosts.This will keep them from freezing. In practice, however, as confirmed by the entries on our forum, lemon balm winter well in many people without it. Much probably depends simply on the conditions at the growing site (whether it is warm enough and sheltered from the wind). Plants grown in pots on balconies and terraces should be moved to a cool room protected against frost for the winter or pitted in the ground to prevent the roots from freezing.
Since lemon balm grows nicely for 3-4 years, it is worth rejuvenating the plants every 3 years . To do this, dig them up and divide their clumps. Before planting the divided plants, it is a good idea to cover the soil with well-decomposed compost. In this way,the cultivation of lemon balm in the gardencan continue for many years.
