18-24"H plant has 4-angled stems with 1½ - 3"L oval toothed, shiny green leaves. Produces insignificant pale yellow flowers in summer. Spreads vigorously. Popular ingredient of herbal teas, having a pleasant flavor and calming effect. Used to treat colds, flu and indigestion. Fresh leaves give a lemon flavor to salads, soups, sauces and meats.
**Lemon balm grows well with most vegetables especially since it attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators, while the strong, citrusy odor deters several unwelcome pests, including gnats and mosquitoes.
Pollination occurs by insect, bird, wind, humans, or other natural mechanisms. Because there are no restrictions on the flow of pollen between individuals, open-pollinated plants are more genetically diverse. However, as long as pollen is not shared between different varieties within the same species, then the seed produced will remain true-to-type year after year.
This variety has a history of being passed down within a family or community, similar to the generational sharing of certain items like jewelry or furniture.
Perennial plants live for more than two years. They return year after year and continue growing until they reach maturity, which varies by plant but averages three to five years.