Where to Buy?
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Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis 'LB01' PBR
Common Name: Lemon Balm
Description: A stronger, zesty Lemon Balm with exquisite lemon tones that are bursting with flavour. The beautifully strong fresh lemon scent makes any garden fragrant and pleasant to be around. Lemzest™ has been confirmed to contain the desirable Rosmarinic Acid, a general anti-oxidant with other potentially healthy benefits. The attractive leaves are mid to dark green, heart shaped, and have a lace-like texture which makes this a pretty plant. Small white flowers appear later in summer than other forms, and it is later to go to seed.
Cooking Uses: Lemzest™ is excellent for a calming herbal infusion (tea) on its own, or with mint or other herbs. Try it blended with fruit juice or mineral water for a refreshing drink. Perfect for any dish where you want a zesty lemon taste; salads, soups, vinegar, and amazing with chicken, pork and fish dishes. Lemzest™ can be used as a replacement for lemon rind, especially good in fruit salads and desserts. Use 1/3 of the suggested amount in traditional recipes and it will produce lemon undertones. Using the full recommended amount will make this Lemon Balm the star of the dish.
Size: Approx. 25-35cm H x 30-40cm W
Planting, Growth and Tolerances:
This good branching, dense form of Lemon Balm is great for gardens, pots and planter boxes. It tolerates a wide range of soil but prefers well drained, fertile soil. Plant 30-40cm apart in spring and summer in full sun to part shade (prefers light to moderate shade in hot summers). This is a heat and cold tolerant perennial, affected by frost but will reshoot in spring (may be an annual in harsher climates). With the exception of winter it grows well year-round.
Care:
Keep soil moist in hot summers. Avoid overwatering, particularly in winter. In spring and autumn if required, use a slow release fertiliser and/or incorporate compost into the soil. If heavily harvested, apply a light application of quick release as required (usually only for pots). Prune/harvest regularly for best growth. It benefits from picking a little fresh each day for teas etc. If required, prune by up to 1/3 in autumn or spring for a tidy plant (generally only for warmer climates). Is generally able to cope with pests well, if grown in the right conditions. If damage does occur from pests or other stresses, cut back hard and let it rejuvenate.
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GROWER KNOWLEDGE: This website gives general information for the states/regions in Australia. For local information on which plants work in your area contact your local grower. Local grower knowledge is vital, this website is no substitute.
HEIGHTS: Heights shown on the website are for general gardening conditions. In well maintained gardens, some plants will get taller.