Lemon Balm - $3 pre-order and member price; $4 at plant sale

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented perennial herb from the mint family, traditionally used for its calming, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is popular in culinary applications for its bright citrus taste and is widely used in herbal medicine to treat stress, anxiety, and digestive issues. Planting and Requirements Hardiness Zones: Typically grown as a perennial in USDA zones 3–9. Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf browning and improves leaf quality. Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining, and slightly sandy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. It is generally tolerant of average soil conditions. Spacing: Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart to allow for its bushy, clump-forming growth habit.