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Lemon Balm 'Lemona'

$4.00

Melissa officinalis ‘Lemona’ is a particularly fragrant form of lemon balm, valued for its bright citrus scent, vigorous growth, and usefulness in both the garden and kitchen. Soft green leaves release a fresh lemon fragrance when brushed or harvested, making it a favorite for teas, herbal preparations, and summer drinks.

This hardy perennial forms dense mounds of textured foliage that bring freshness and movement to herb gardens, cottage borders, and kitchen garden plantings. Small white flowers appear in summer and are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Easy to grow and remarkably forgiving, ‘Lemona’ thrives in average garden soil and full sun to partial shade. Regular harvesting encourages fresh new growth throughout the season. Plants may self-seed lightly if flowers are left to mature.

Seeds will collect in your Trug until you checkout.

Melissa officinalis ‘Lemona’ is a particularly fragrant form of lemon balm, valued for its bright citrus scent, vigorous growth, and usefulness in both the garden and kitchen. Soft green leaves release a fresh lemon fragrance when brushed or harvested, making it a favorite for teas, herbal preparations, and summer drinks.

This hardy perennial forms dense mounds of textured foliage that bring freshness and movement to herb gardens, cottage borders, and kitchen garden plantings. Small white flowers appear in summer and are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Easy to grow and remarkably forgiving, ‘Lemona’ thrives in average garden soil and full sun to partial shade. Regular harvesting encourages fresh new growth throughout the season. Plants may self-seed lightly if flowers are left to mature.

Seeds will collect in your Trug until you checkout.

Product Details

Lifecycle: Tender Annual

Mature Size: 18–36 in tall × 18–24 in wide

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil

Harvest Season: Summer through frost

Harvested Part: Leaves and flowering stems

Approximate Seeds Per Packet: 100

USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in most climates

  • Thrives during warm summer weather

  • Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators

  • Produces abundant harvests for fresh or dried tea

  • Excellent in containers, herb gardens, and mixed borders

  • Sensitive to frost

Growing Guide

Sowing Depth

Surface sow or cover lightly with ⅛ inch of soil.

Germination Time

7–14 days

Cold Stratification

Not required.

Starting Indoors

Start 6–8 weeks before the last frost at 70–75°F.

Starting Outdoors

Direct sow only after soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Placement & Cultivation

Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushier plants and greater leaf production.

Final Spacing

18–24 inches

Water Requirements

Moderate. Water consistently during hot weather.

Soil pH

6.0–7.5

Fertilizer

Light feeding is sufficient.

Pests & Diseases

Occasionally affected by aphids or Japanese beetles.

Harvest & Use

When to Harvest

Begin harvesting once plants are well established and continue throughout the season.

Drying & Storage

Dry leaves and flowering stems on screens or in small bundles.

Flavor Profile

Warm, spicy, clove-like flavor with notes of pepper and basil.

Tea Garden Companions

Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Lemongrass, and Stevia.

Part of the Proper Useful Tea Garden Collection

This plant was selected for its beauty, usefulness, and suitability for homegrown herbal teas. Grow individually or combine with other Tea Garden Collection varieties to create a productive garden that supplies fresh and dried herbs throughout the growing season.