Lemon Balm

Basic Information

Seed Number

38

Seed Name

Lemon Balm

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Type

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 10

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 10 – Mar 24

Direct Sow

May 5 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 5 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

8 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

10–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-70°F

Planting Depth

Surface sow or barely cover

Plant Spacing

12 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Keep soil evenly moist but well drained

Soil Preference

Moist, well-drained soil of medium fertility

Minimum Container Size

2-3 gal

Plant Height

18-26 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or direct sow; many benefit from cold stratification
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 15 – Jun 15; Sep 1 – Oct 15 for fall sowing
Germination Time: 10–30+ days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: Blooms/harvest often year 2
Container Friendly: Yes for many; deep-rooted types prefer ground
Succession / Reusable Notes: Great for permanent herb/medicinal beds.
Zone 6B Notes: Many medicinal perennials need patience and may not bloom first year.
Companion Plants: Yarrow, echinacea, calendula, lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, clover, native flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Crowded/overly wet beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Lemon balm is hardy in Zones 4-9 and overwinters readily in Zone 6B. It may self-seed aggressively if flowers are allowed to mature.
Germination: Seeds are small and need light for germination. Sow on the surface or cover very lightly and keep consistently moist.
Harvest: Individual leaves can be harvested once plants are established. For larger harvests, cut stems before flowering for the strongest lemon fragrance.
Seed Saving: Allow flowers to mature and dry before collecting seed. Lemon balm self-seeds readily.
Special Care: Cut plants back before mature seed forms if unwanted spreading is a concern.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/lemon-balm/lemon-balm-key-growing-information.html — soil, height, spacing, hardiness, harvest and general culture
Research Source: Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b789 — perennial habit, sun exposure, soil moisture and self-seeding tendency
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]