Lemon Balm – 0.04 gram seeds – AAA – Thai

Description

Lemon Balm

 

Price: 160 Taka per packet (sale price)

Quantity: 0.04 gram (approx. 80 seeds)

Brand: AAA (Chua Yong Seed Co. Ltd)

Country of origin: Thailand

 

Germination Rate (approx.): _60_%

Physical Purity (Min): 98%

Genetic Purity (Min): 98%

 

Germination Temperature: Lemon Balm seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 18–24°C (65–75°F). Optimal germination occurs around 21°C (70°F), with some sources suggesting a slightly broader range of 15–24°C for consistent results. Cold stratification at 4°C for 7 days can enhance germination rates.

Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 5–14 days under optimal conditions (moist soil, 18–24°C, and light exposure). Cold-stratified seeds may take 7–10 days, while non-stratified seeds could take up to 20 days in cooler conditions.

Plant Height, Span, and Seed Sowing Depth

• Height: Lemon Balm grows 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall, though some cultivars may reach only 12–24 inches.
• Span: The plant spreads 12–36 inches (30–90 cm), forming a bushy clump.
• Seed Sowing Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep or lightly press into the soil surface, as they require light for germination.

Plant Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart to allow for healthy growth and air circulation. In containers, one plant per pot is ideal.

Row Spacing: Rows should be spaced 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart to accommodate the plant’s spread and ensure proper airflow, reducing disease risk.

Trellis or Physical Support Requirement: Lemon Balm does not require a trellis or physical support. Its upright, bushy growth is self-supporting, though container plants may benefit from staking if they become leggy in low-light conditions.

Seed to Harvest Time: Leaves can be harvested 60–70 days after sowing, once the plant is established (6–8 inches tall). Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth, with multiple harvests possible in a season.

Seed to Bloom Time: Lemon Balm blooms in mid to late summer, approximately 90–120 days (3–4 months) after sowing, depending on climate and growing conditions. Deadheading prevents seeding and extends leaf production.

Pot Size/Container Size/Bed Size

• Pot Size: Use a container at least 8 inches (20 cm) deep and 15–18 inches (38–45 cm) wide to accommodate the root system. Larger pots (10–12 inches) are ideal for mature plants.
• Bed Size: In garden beds, allocate 2–3 square feet per plant to account for its spread.

Soil Type:

• Soil Type: Lemon Balm thrives in rich, well-drained, sandy loam with good moisture retention. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay or poor soils, but prefers slightly sandy, fertile soil amended with organic matter like compost. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.
• Ideal pH: 6.5–7.3 (slightly acidic to neutral). Some sources suggest a broader range of 4.5–7.6 for adaptability.

Sunlight Requirement:

• Daily Sunlight: Lemon Balm prefers full sun (6–8 hours daily) but tolerates partial shade (4–6 hours), especially in hot climates. Indoor plants need 5–6 hours of direct sunlight or 14–16 hours of artificial grow light.
• Germination Light: Seeds require light exposure to germinate, so do not cover them heavily; a light dusting of soil or vermiculite is sufficient.

Water Requirement:

• Water Requirement: Lemon Balm needs 1–2 liters per week per plant, depending on size and climate. Mature plants (24–36 inches) require slightly more during hot, dry periods. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Watering Intervals:
  • Seedlings (0–6 inches): Water every 2–3 days, keeping soil moist (0.5–1 liter per plant).
  • Young Plants (6–12 inches): Water every 3–4 days (1 liter per plant).
  • Mature Plants (12–36 inches): Water every 4–7 days (1–2 liters), allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Use drip irrigation or water at the base to prevent fungal issues.

Essential Nutrients and Organic Fertilizers

• Essential Nutrients:
  • Nitrogen (N): 5–10% for leaf growth.
  • Phosphorus (P): 3–5% for root and flower development.
  • Potassium (K): 5–8% for overall health and disease resistance.
  • Micronutrients: Calcium, magnesium, and iron in trace amounts.

Organic Fertilizer Application for Container Plants:

For an 8–12 inch pot:

• Compost: Apply 100–150 grams (1–1.5 cups) mixed into the top 2 inches of soil at planting. Reapply 50 grams every 2 months.
• Fish Emulsion: Dilute 10 ml in 1 liter of water; apply 200 ml of solution per plant every 2 weeks during the growing season.
• Kelp Meal: Sprinkle 10–15 grams around the base every 6 weeks.
• Worm Castings: Add 50 grams (0.5 cup) to the soil surface every 2 months.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can reduce the potency of the plant’s aroma and flavor.

Companion Plants

• Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage: Deters pests like cabbage moths.
• Tomatoes, Melons, Squash: Enhances growth and repels pests.
• Onions, Basil, Rosemary, Sage: Improves flavor and pollination.
• Marigolds, Lavender, Mint: Repels pests like aphids and mosquitoes.
• Fruit Trees: Attracts pollinators like bees.

Fruit Taste: Lemon Balm does not produce consumable fruit. Its small flowers produce seeds, which are not eaten. N/A (0/10).

Leaf Taste: The leaves have a sweet, lemony, mint-like flavor with a mild citrus tang. They are used fresh in teas, salads, and dishes. Rating: 7/10 for their refreshing, versatile taste, though bitterness develops post-flowering.

Pest Types and Control

• Pests:
  • Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects.
  • Spider Mites: Cause stippling on leaves, common in dry conditions.
  • Whiteflies: Tiny winged insects on leaf undersides.
• Chemical Control:
  • Aphids: Imidacloprid or Malathion (follow label instructions).
  • Spider Mites: Abamectin or Bifenthrin.
  • Whiteflies: Pyrethrin-based sprays.
• Organic Control:
  • Spray with neem oil (10 ml per liter of water) every 7–10 days.
  • Use insecticidal soap (5 ml per liter) to wash leaves.
  • Introduce ladybugs or lacewings as natural predators.
  • Hose off pests with a strong water stream.

Disease Types and Control

• Diseases:
  • Powdery Mildew: White powdery coating on leaves.
  • Mint Rust: Orange-brown spots on leaves.
  • Verticillium Wilt: Wilting and yellowing due to soil-borne fungus.
  • Root Rot: Caused by overwatering in poorly drained soil.
• Chemical Control:
  • Powdery Mildew: Fungicides like sulfur or myclobutanil.
  • Mint Rust: Azoxystrobin or chlorothalonil.
  • Verticillium Wilt: No chemical cure; remove infected plants.
  • Root Rot: Improve drainage; no effective chemical treatment.
• Organic Control:
  • Powdery Mildew: Spray with baking soda solution (1 tsp per liter of water) weekly or use compost tea as a fungicide.
  • Mint Rust: Remove infected leaves; apply neem oil (10 ml per liter).
  • Verticillium Wilt: Rotate crops and sterilize soil with solarization.
  • Root Rot: Ensure well-drained soil; add sand or compost to improve drainage.
  • Increase air circulation by spacing plants properly.

Fruit Maturity Identification: Lemon Balm does not produce consumable fruit. For leaf harvest, pick leaves when they are young and vibrant green, before flowering, for the best flavor (typically 60–70 days after sowing).

Average Lifespan: Lemon Balm is a perennial with a lifespan of 3–5 years in optimal conditions. In colder climates, it dies back in winter but regrows from roots in spring.

Nutritional Value:

Per 100 grams of fresh Lemon Balm leaves:

• Calories: 50–60 kcal
• Protein: 3–4 g
• Carbohydrates: 8–10 g
• Fiber: 2–3 g
• Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C (20–30 mg), Vitamin A (trace amounts).
• Minerals: Calcium (200 mg), Iron (5 mg), Potassium (400 mg).
• Antioxidants: Contains rosmarinic acid and citronellal.

Health Benefits:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Calming properties promote relaxation and improve mood.
2. Improves Sleep: Used in teas to treat insomnia and enhance sleep quality.
3. Aids Digestion: Eases indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Rosmarinic acid fights free radicals, supporting overall health.
5. Repels Insects: Citronellal in leaves acts as a natural mosquito repellent.

Popular Food Recipes:

• Bangladeshi Lemon Balm Tea:
  • Ingredients: 10 fresh Lemon Balm leaves, 500 ml water, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ginger (optional).
  • Method: Boil water, add leaves and ginger, steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey, and serve warm.
  • Use: Soothing drink for relaxation.
• Bangladeshi Lemon Balm Chutney:
  • Ingredients: 50 g Lemon Balm leaves, 1 green chili, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 2 tbsp oil, salt to taste.
  • Method: Blend leaves, chili, and garlic into a paste. Heat oil, add mustard seeds, then mix in paste. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve with rice or flatbread.
  • Use: Adds a citrusy kick to meals.
• Lemon Balm Pesto (Italian):
  • Ingredients: 50 g Lemon Balm leaves, 25 g basil, 50 g pine nuts, 50 g Parmesan, 100 ml olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, salt.
  • Method: Blend all ingredients into a smooth paste. Use as a pasta sauce or spread.
  • Use: Fresh, tangy alternative to traditional pesto.
• Lemon Balm Sorbet (French):
  • Ingredients: 50 g Lemon Balm leaves, 200 g sugar, 500 ml water, juice of 1 lemon.
  • Method: Make a syrup with water and sugar, add chopped leaves, steep for 30 minutes. Strain, add lemon juice, freeze in an ice cream maker.
  • Use: Refreshing summer dessert.

Ideal Germination Month in Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, the ideal month for Lemon Balm seed germination is March (early spring). The weather during March 2023 and 2024 showed average temperatures of 20–28°C, aligning with the optimal germination range (18–24°C). This avoids the monsoon’s excessive humidity (June–September) and winter’s cooler temperatures (December–February).

Average Number of Seeds per Gram: Lemon Balm seeds average 600–800 seeds per gram, with some variation depending on seed size and supplier. Smaller seeds may reach 900 seeds per gram, while larger ones are closer to 500–600.

Best Propagation Method

The most successful propagation method is stem cuttings:

• Cut a 4–6 inch stem from new growth in spring or early summer.
• Remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
• Plant in moist, well-drained potting mix or place in water until roots form (2–6 weeks).
• Transplant to a pot or garden once roots are 1–2 inches long. This method ensures consistent flavor compared to seed propagation, which can vary.

Storage Methods for Leaves:

• Fresh Leaves:
  • Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks.
• Dried Leaves:
  • Air-dry by hanging stems upside down in a cool, dark, dry place for 1–3 weeks.
  • Alternatively, use a dehydrator at 95°F (35°C) for 12–18 hours.
  • Store in an airtight container (e.g., mason jar) in a cool, dark place for 6–12 months.
• Frozen Leaves:
  • Blend leaves with water or oil, pour into ice cube trays, and freeze. Use within 6 months. Dried leaves retain less flavor than fresh, so use fresh when possible.

Few Specialties of Lemon Balm

• Pollinator Magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, enhancing garden pollination.
• Natural Pest Repellent: Contains citronellal, repelling mosquitoes, gnats, and some garden pests.
• Medicinal Versatility: Used in teas, tinctures, and aromatherapy for calming and digestive benefits.

Beautiful Quotes:

• “Lemon Balm, with its gentle lemon scent, is nature’s embrace, soothing the soul and brightening the garden.” – Unknown
• “In every sprig of Lemon Balm lies a whisper of calm, a gift from the earth to ease our weary hearts.” – Unknown

Unknown Facts

• Historical Use: In medieval Europe, Lemon Balm was used in love charms and to attract bees to hives, earning its Latin name Melissa (Greek for “bee”).
• Antiviral Properties: Studies suggest Lemon Balm extract may inhibit herpes simplex virus, used in topical creams.
• Variable Genetics: Plants grown from seeds can differ in flavor and aroma, making cuttings or divisions preferable for consistency.

Scientific Name and Family

• Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

 

Disclaimer: In accordance with the universal custom of seed trade we give no warranty expressed or implied as to description, quality, productivity or any other matter of any way for the crop results beyond the purchased price especially under unsuitable season, abnormal weather, unsuitable soil and other unexpected conditions.

The information presented above is for reference purposes only and has been compiled from various sources. While we endeavor to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or correctness of the details provided. If you come across any inaccuracies or misleading information, please email us with the necessary details.

বীজ ব্যবসার সার্বজনীন প্রথা অনুযায়ী আমরা বিশেষত অনুপযুক্ত ঋতুতে, বিশেষত অনিয়মিত আবহাওয়া, অনুপযুক্ত মাটি এবং অন্যান্য ক্রয়মূল্যের বাইরে ফসলের ফলনের বর্ণনা, গুণমান, উৎপাদনশীলতা বা অন্য যে কোনও বিষয়ে বর্ণিত ওয়ারেন্টি প্রদান করি না। অপ্রত্যাশিত শর্ত।

 

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