• Fresh lemon balm herb plant from Hudson Valley Seed Co., with green leaves and tender stems.
  • Fresh lemon balm herb from Hudson Valley Seed Co. shown in a garden setting, highlighting its vibrant green leaves.
  • Fresh lemon balm herb from Hudson Valley Seed Co. with vibrant green leaves and aromatic foliage.
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Hudson Valley Seed Co.

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Certified Organic

Lemon-scented perennial herb attracts pollinators.

Immersing yourself in the healing aroma of Lemon Balm connects you to the goddesses of ancient Greece. The Melissas, a word that meant bees but came to refer to priestesses, grew this sacred plant around the Temple of Artemis in order to attract and care for honey bees and to honor the Greek goddess. The magical and medicinal properties of this aromatic plant are many, including reducing stress and boosting mental acuity. And still today it is planted near hives to benefit honey bees.

Not only is this herb a fantastic pollinator attracter, but the aroma that emanates from the patch is overwhelmingly lemony and smooth, seemingly more lemony than an actual lemon! Lemon balm has been clinically proven to reduce oxidative stress levels in the body as well as to boost the speed of mental performance. While your results may vary, there is no disputing that it makes a lovely tea; its leaves dry easily and quickly in any protected spot.

Unit Price Quantity Availability
200 seeds | Art Pack $5.79
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Growing instructions
Start seeds by surface sowing a few per cell. Keep moist but not wet. Transplant out when plants are 3-4" high, in a spot they can spread. Harvest leaves for tea, let flower to feed the bees. A perennial that will also self-sow and spread.
Product Details
Days to Maturity 80 days from transplant
Days to Germination 5-14 days
Width at Maturity 24"
Height at Maturity 18"
Hardiness Zone Range 3 4 5 6 7
Row Spacing 12"
Plant Spacing 12"
About the artist
Artwork by Annie Howe. This papercut silhouette captures the delicate leaf texture of lemon balm; the honeycomb shapes hint at its attractiveness to bees. Annie lives in Baltimore and runs a papercut business; she crafts intimate, hand-cut artworks that tell stories. 
    Fresh lemon balm herb plant from Hudson Valley Seed Co., with green leaves and tender stems.
    Fresh lemon balm herb from Hudson Valley Seed Co. shown in a garden setting, highlighting its vibrant green leaves.
    Fresh lemon balm herb from Hudson Valley Seed Co. with vibrant green leaves and aromatic foliage.
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    Betsy G.

    Yes to all that's said, but what is not said is just how invasive it can be. Here in the Seattle area we have to fight it off. If you want to enjoy its benefits, and not grow to hate it, I suggest growing it in pots (it can spread via roots) and never let it go to seed. Under those conditions I'm sure I'd love it.

    Thank you so much for your comments. Lemon Balm will readily self-seed and can get out of hand if not regularly maintained. To prevent this plant's spread, simply remove any flowers that start to emerge. Like any members of the Mint family this beautiful plant will happily self sow and spread, although its roots are less the issue than its seeds.