Lime Balm (Melissa officinalis ssp. altissima), packet of 30 seeds, organic

$3.95

Family: Mint (Lamiacea)

Hardy to Zones 6 to 9

(Crete Balm) Herbaceous perennial to 2 feet,  native to the mediterranean and hardy to 20 degrees F.  Light-green lime-flavored foliage is softly pubescent, with outsize flowers of light lavender. Good for tea or nibbling fresh.  A rare and unusual subspecies of lemon balm.  Cultivation: Light-dependent germinator. Scarify seed lightly on fine sandpaper and sow outdoors in the fall or very early spring or provide 2 weeks of cold conditioning by placing seed in moist medium in a container in the fridge and sow outdoors or in the greenhouse.  Germ. in 10-40 days. Prefers full sun or shade; normal garden soil and moderate water. Plant 1.5 feet apart.

30 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown

In stock

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  1. Drina Carbajal

    Hi I was wondering if this is invasive like mint ???

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  2. Grace

    Hey Annie! I was wondering The same thing about whether this sub species has the same medicinal qualities as lemon balm. Once learning that it is also Melissa officinalis, and not just a misleading common name, I was reassured that yes – they are interchangeable. The subspecies may have slightly different concentrations of the terpines and medicinal compounds, and it may affect you personally in a slightly different way since everyone’s system is unique. Just listen to your body and see if it feels the same or slightly different than when you consume its lemony cousin 🙂

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  3. Nicole (verified owner)

    Hi, I am also curious if this has the same medicinal attributes/value as lemon balm? Would you consider it medicinally interchangeable with lemon balm?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hi Nicole, Lime balm is for all practical purposes interchangeable with lemon balm. If one were to have any doubts, knowing that lime balm is a valued tea herb in Mediterranean countries where it grows wild is reassuring. For those that find the hot terpenes found in lemon balm to be a bit intense, lime balm is a welcome substitute–it is a bit mellower. I personally recently have been using neither of them. I’ve been drinking thyme tea and its keeping me healthy and sane. Richo

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