Melissa officinalis Labiatae

CULTIVATION Lemon balm is a hardy herbaceous perennial with aromatic, oval, puckered, dull-green or variegated leaves and tiny white flowers from midsummer. It grows to 60cm-1m (2-3ft) and prefers poor, moist soil and full sun or light shade. Propagate it by sowing seeds or taking stem cuttings in spring, or dividing the plant in the autumn, planting them 50cm (20in) apart. Harvest the leaves from spring to autumn and the flowers during the summer. Lemon balm can be grown as a garden or border herb.