Melissa Lemon Balm

Growing tips

Germination conditions:

• depth of sowing: above ground (press seeds lightly into the soil, but do not cover them)
• optimal temperature for germination: 18 to 22ºC
• time for germination: 14 to 21 days
• to accelerate germination, soak the seeds 24 hours in warm water before sowing or subject them to a cold treatment (stratification*)

When to sow:

• Sow indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last date in your area OR
• direct seeding after any risk of frost in spring or fall

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants.

• for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR
• for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

When all risk of frost is removed

Distance in the garden:

• between plants: 45 cm
• between rows: 45 cm

Height of the plants: 60 cm

Soil: rich and well drained

Exposure: sun or light shade

When to harvest: 65 days for young leaves, 90 days for a mature plant

*For cold treatment (stratification) prior to germination: soak the seeds in water 24 hours before sowing. Then place the pot wrapped in a transparent plastic bag in the refrigerator for 7 days. After stratification, germinate under the usual conditions of heat and light.