Facts about Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
Taste:
Mild, lemon-aromatic
Germination:
10-14 days
Growth to harvest:
3-5 weeks for young leaves; continuously harvestable
Nitrogen requirement:
medium
pH range:
6.0-7.5 compatible plants
EC range:
1.0-2.0 compatible fish
Size:
30-60 cm
Cultivation
Propagation:
Seeds, cuttings or division preferred
Saturating medium:
Keep evenly moist, avoid waterlogging
Growing medium:
- Coconut fiber
- Perlite
- Peat-free herb soil
- Hydroponic rockwool
- Perlite
- Peat-free herb soil
- Hydroponic rockwool
Light:
Bright, tolerates sun or LED daylight
Germination temperature:
18-22 °C
Watering:
Regular spraying or watering; avoid waterlogging
Preferred system:
Nutritional values per 100g (fresh)
Calories
44 kcal
Carbohydrates
10 g
Proteins
3 g
Vitamin A
164 μg
Vitamin C
61 mg
Iron
6 mg
Calcium
195 mg
Potassium
521 mg
Magnesium
74 mg
Medicinal Plant
Recognized application: Calming, digestive support, flatulence, mild cramps.
Active compounds: Essential oil (citral, geraniol, linalool), flavonoids, tannins
Dosage: 1-2 tsp fresh or dried leaves per cup of tea, 2-3 times daily; use essential oil only in standardized form according to manufacturer's instructions
Sources: Commission E Monograph (BfArM), HMPC Monograph EMA/HMPC/100022/2005, DAB. Note: This information does not replace medical consultation. For complaints, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important cultivation notes
- Avoid waterlogging; roots will rot otherwise
- Harvest leaves regularly, promotes bushy growth
- Monitor hydroponic systems: pH 6-7, EC 1-2 mS/cm
- Full sun or strong LEDs preferred; partial shade possible
Cultivation steps
- Prepare seeds or cuttings
- Plant on moist substrate or rockwool
- Place at 18-22°C in bright location, keep evenly moist
- After 10-14 days germination; cuttings 7-10 days until roots visible
- Transfer to NFT/Ebb and Flow system
- Cut leaves regularly and continue cultivation
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