Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a bushy perennial herb of the mint family, prized for its bright green, heart-shaped leaves that release a fresh lemony fragrance when touched. Long used in herbal medicine, its leaves make a calming tea said to ease stress, aid sleep and soothe digestion, and they add citrus notes to drinks, salads and desserts. The plant grows into a leafy mound with small white flowers loved by bees. Easy and vigorous, lemon balm grows well in pots and partly shaded spots, making it a fragrant, relaxing addition to Indian herb gardens and balconies.
Specifications
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
| Native region |
Southern Europe and Mediterranean |
| Mature height |
30-70 cm |
| Mature spread |
30-45 cm |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Bright green, heart-shaped, lemon-scented |
| Flower colour |
White to pale yellow |
| Flower season |
Summer |
| Climate zone |
Temperate to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Partial shade to full sun; shade in hot climates |
| Watering |
Keep soil moist; water regularly in heat |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained, fertile loam, pH 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperature |
15-30 C; protect from intense heat |
| Humidity |
Moderate |
| Fertilizer |
Light feeding once or twice a season |
| Pruning |
Trim regularly; cut back after flowering to refresh |
| Repotting |
Every 1-2 years; divide if crowded |
| Propagation |
Cuttings, division or seed |
| Pests & problems |
Aphids, whitefly; powdery mildew in poor airflow |
| Toxicity / safety |
Edible; safe in culinary amounts |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Leaves are brewed into a calming, citrusy herbal tea and used to flavour drinks, salads and desserts; valued in aromatherapy for its relaxing scent.
Growing tips
In India give lemon balm partial shade and steady moisture, especially in summer; grow in pots to contain its spreading roots and harvest leaves often to keep it bushy.