Grows in sun or light shade; excellent for patio pots.
Soft blooms invite pollinators; pinch to keep leaves tender.
Quick Facts (Grow Guide)
Botanical name
Melissa officinalis
Sun
Full sun to part shade (afternoon shade in hot climates)
Sowing method
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost; sow very thinly — seeds need light
Sowing depth
Surface to 1/16″ (0–2 mm); press in, do not bury heavily
Spacing
Thin/plant 12–18″ / 30–45 cm; rows ~18–24″ / 45–60 cm
Germination
~7–21 days at ~65–70°F / 18–21°C (naturally slow/fine seed)
Soil
Moist, well-drained; moderate fertility; keep evenly moist to establish
Harvest
Snip young shoots regularly; best flavor before flowering
Ways to Use
Tea: fresh or dried leaves for calming herbal infusions.
Culinary: lemony syrups, sorbets, salads, sauces, and garnishes.
Garden: pinch blooms to focus growth on leaves; ideal for pots to contain spread.
What You’ll Receive
Select your pack size in the listing variations
Fresh, Non-GMO seeds in a moisture-resistant packet
Simple sowing guide
Germination guarantee — free replacement if seeds don’t sprout
Pro tip: Surface-sow and mist — light triggers sprouting. For bushy plants, harvest often and pinch flower buds; container growing helps limit self-seeding/spread.
