How to Germinate Lemon Balm Seeds

Germinating lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) seeds is a straightforward process, but it requires a bit of patience and care. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Materials Needed:

• Lemon balm seeds
• Seed starting mix or a high-quality potting soil
• Seed trays or small pots
• Plastic wrap or a humidity dome
• Spray bottle with water
• Grow lights or a sunny windowsill

Steps to Germinate Lemon Balm Seeds:

1. Prepare the Soil:
   • Fill your seed trays or small pots with a good quality, well-draining seed starting mix. Moisten the mix with water so it is damp but not soggy.
2. Sow the Seeds:
   • Sprinkle the lemon balm seeds evenly over the surface of the soil. Lemon balm seeds are very small, so try to avoid planting them too densely.
   • Lightly press the seeds into the soil using your hand or a small piece of cardboard. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate.
3. Provide Light:
   • Place the seed trays or pots in a location where they will receive bright, indirect light. If using grow lights, set them a few inches above the tray and keep them on for about 14-16 hours a day.
4. Maintain Humidity:
   • Cover the seed trays or pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain a high humidity level. This helps keep the soil consistently moist.
   • Mist the soil lightly with water using a spray bottle to keep it damp. Check the soil regularly and do not let it dry out.
5. Temperature:
   • Lemon balm seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). If necessary, use a heat mat to maintain optimal soil temperature.
6. Germination Time:
   • Lemon balm seeds typically take about 7-14 days to germinate. Be patient and keep checking the soil moisture and humidity.
7. After Germination:
   • Once the seeds have germinated and small seedlings appear, remove the plastic wrap or humidity dome.
   • Continue to provide ample light for the seedlings. If using grow lights, keep them a few inches above the seedlings to prevent them from becoming leggy.
8. Transplanting:
   • When the seedlings have grown at least two sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
   • If planting outdoors, make sure to harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting them to their final location.

Tips:

• Lemon balm prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil and can grow in both full sun and partial shade.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging, as lemon balm does not like overly wet soil.
• Regularly pinch back the tips of the plants to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to successfully germinating lemon balm seeds and growing a thriving herb garden!