MANDARIN BALM SEEDS

Melissa officinalis ‘Mandarina'

Good gravy this plant is productive. Unfortunately it produces leaves with virtually no flavor, making it fairly inappropriate for most herbal preparations. The fragrance of the fresh foliage is lovely indeed, but the primary virtue of this selection is that it is vigorous! Massive spreading plants are produced fast in the first year. This is an ideal pestproof groundcover for challenging areas. Consider using it in sunny orchards and along compacted paths through expansive landscapes. Avoid planting with less vigrous herbs and perennials as these plants will crowd them out.

Though we would not recommend this selection for tea, individual snipped sprigs are a lovely garnish for cocktails and mocktails and are produced in such abundance as to be appropriate for large scale cultivation for this purpose. Plants recover quickly from cutting and would very possibly agree to being mowed regularly.

Sow seeds indoors several weeks before transplanting. Press seeds into moist soil and just barely sprinkle with fine vermiculite. Mist generously and cover with plastic to maintain moisture. Kept warm (around 70°F) in bright light the seeds should germinate within a week or so. Prick out seedlings with true leaves to grow on in individual cells or pots at room temperature in bright light. Pinch to encourange branching. Allow to dry slightly between waterings. Do not overwater! Harden off before transplanting into the garden around the date of the last spring frost or in the autumn.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.