// SPECIES PROFILE · FOOD CROP · CULTIVATED

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a cultivated perennial food crop grown for its edible leaf. Family: Lamiaceae (mint family). Originally from Southern Europe & Mediterranean. Hardy in zones 4a–9a. Mature size 1'–2'. Harvest in northeastern Oklahoma: Apr–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Group: crop · perennial
Origin: Southern Europe & Mediterranean · cultivated
USDA zones: Zones 4a–9a
Mature size: 1'–2'
Sun: Sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Edible parts: leaf
Harvest (NE OK): Apr–Oct
Garden role: lemon-scented tea herb · tolerates part shade · deadhead to limit self-seeding

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) — *Melissa officinalis* — Lemon Balm. Photo by Amitchell125 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: lemon-scented tea herb · tolerates part shade · deadhead to limit self-seeding. A cultivated food crop — not a native — grown alongside regional natives in Rooted Revival's kitchen-garden and food-forest designs. Harvest windows are for northeastern Oklahoma (USDA zone 7a).

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In a kitchen garden or food-forest guild, lemon balm pairs well with: Heirloom Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum (Grossum Group)), Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo (Zucchini Group)), Cabbage (Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group)).