Melissa officinalis - growing and care

In folk medicine, a plant such as lemon balm is widely used. It can be easily grown in your summer cottage, observing the basic rules of planting, growing and caring.

For planting this medicinal plant, it is recommended to choose sandy loam or loamy soils that are rich in humus and moderately moist. Melissa officinalis loves heat very much, so the planting site should be well lit. Providing all the necessary conditions guarantees its flowering and fruiting for 10 years.

Also, lemon balm needs timely feeding with mineral and organic fertilizers. In spring, it is recommended to add ammonium nitrate, bird droppings, potassium salt, slurry, and superphosphate to the soil.

It is not difficult to care for this perennial plant. It is enough to carry out regular weeding between rows and water in case of prolonged dry weather. At the same time, watering should be moderate, since lemon balm does not tolerate waterlogging. In very frosty winters, it is recommended to cover the plant.

Melissa can be grown from seeds, cuttings or rhizomes. Seeds are usually sown in greenhouses at the end of March, and after receiving the seedlings (after about 2-3 weeks) they are planted on prepared open ground.

Cleaning and storage of lemon balm must also be done according to the rules. The first harvest should be in the budding phase, and the second - a month later. The collected grass is dried in the shade, preferably in the attic, and then placed in a plastic bag and stored in a dry place with good ventilation for one year.