Lemon Balm “Limoncello”

🍋 Lemon Balm “Limoncello” Variety (Melissa officinalis) – Citrusy freshness & natural calm

The Lemon Balm “Lemon” variety is a perennial, aromatic, and naturally uplifting herb, known for its fresh lemony scent and soothing medicinal properties. With its soft green leaves and subtle citrus flavor, it’s perfect for teas, fine cuisine, and refreshing cocktails. This compact, easy-to-grow plant thrives both in garden beds and containers, making it ideal for indoor growing or small outdoor spaces.

🌱 Germination & Care Tips for Lemon Balm “Limoncello”

🔹 How to plant

1️⃣ Indoor sowing: March to April (or year-round indoors under grow lights)
2️⃣ Outdoor sowing: May to June after all danger of frost
3️⃣ Depth: Sow shallowly – seeds need light to germinate
4️⃣ Germination time: 10 to 21 days at 18–22°C (64–72°F)

🔹 Growing in Canada & Quebec

• Soil: Light, fertile, well-drained with added compost

• Light: Full sun to partial shade (morning sun + afternoon shade is ideal)

• Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, avoid soggy roots

• Hardiness: Overwinters well in zones 4+ with mulch for protection

🌿 Tip: Trim regularly to encourage bushier growth and more fragrant leaves.

📜 Origin & History of Lemon Balm

Native to Southern Europe and the Middle East, lemon balm has been used for over 2,000 years in both culinary and medicinal traditions. This particular “Lemon” variety was selected for its stronger citrus scent and flavor, making it ideal for modern kitchens and herbal remedies.

Its name, Melissa, means “honeybee” in Greek – a nod to its power to attract pollinators with its sweet nectar. It was widely grown in monastic gardens for its calming and antiviral properties.

🍽️ Culinary Uses – Subtle lemon flavor, fresh herbal aroma

🇫🇷 Relaxing herbal tea with honey & lemon

• Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water

• Add a lemon slice and a spoon of honey for a soothing evening drink

🇱🇧 Fresh tabbouleh with lemon balm & pomegranate

• Swap some mint with finely chopped lemon balm

• Add bulgur, parsley, tomato, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh pomegranate seeds

✨ Gourmet recipe: Walleye fillet with lemon balm butter, roasted asparagus & celery root purée

Ingredients:

• Fresh walleye fillet

• Unsalted butter, lemon zest, finely chopped lemon balm

• Roasted asparagus and creamy celery root mash

Instructions:
1️⃣ Infuse the lemon balm in melted butter with a touch of zest and salt
2️⃣ Baste the fish with the butter and bake at low temp until flaky
3️⃣ Plate with the vegetables and garnish with a few fresh leaves

🍸 Signature cocktail: Limoncello Balm Gin & Tonic

• 1.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz homemade lemon balm syrup (infused with sugar)

• Juice of half a lemon, chilled tonic water, ice

• Garnish with a sprig of fresh lemon balm – light, herbal, and citrusy

⚠️ Safety & Edibility

✅ Leaves are entirely edible, fresh or dried
✅ High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and essential oils
✅ Known for calming, digestive, and anti-spasmodic properties
🚫 Not recommended in large amounts during pregnancy without medical advice
🚫 Use with caution in people with hypothyroidism if consumed regularly in large doses

🌟 Why grow Lemon Balm “Limoncello”?

✅ Irresistible lemon scent – perfect for cooking, teas, and cocktails
✅ Grows well in Canadian climates (indoors or outdoors)
✅ Useful medicinal herb for daily wellness
✅ Easy to grow, even for beginners
✅ A beautiful, fragrant addition to any garden or kitchen

Bring herbal elegance and zesty freshness into your life with Lemon Balm “Lemon”, now available at Semence Canada 🌱🍋✨