Lemon Balm is known for its sweet, lemon-mint scent and flavor. The fresh leaves are used to brew tea, flavor salads, and season fish and chicken dishes. Lemon Balm loses much of its flavor when dried, however, enough of the fragrance remains to where it makes a delightful addition to potpourri. Traditionally valued as a medicinal herb, Lemon Balm has mild sedative properties. Lemon Balm is valued as a culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal herb. The strong lemon-scented leaves are primarily used in herbal teas. Lemon Balm has a calming effect and is also soothing for upset stomachs. Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis Life Cycle: Perennial Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial Shade Planting Season: Spring Features: Open Pollinated, Culinary, Medicinal, Deer Resistant, Container Garden Plant Height: 25-48 inches Days to Maturity: 70 Days Plant Spacing: 18-20 inches Planting Depth: 1/4 inch Sowing Method: Start Indoors, Direct Sow Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Cold Stratification: No