The white tiny flowers are fairly inconspicuous. The inconspicuous white flowers, sometimes with a yellowish or pinkish tinge, bloom in the leaf axils throughout the summer and are attractive to bees. Because lemon balm is rich in nectar, it is sometimes planted to feed bees.
- Should I let lemon balm flower?
- Does lemon balm bloom?
- Are lemon balm flowers edible?
- What Colour are lemon balm flowers?
- Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?
- What is the difference between lemon balm and mint?
- Can I use lemon balm after it flowers?
- Will Lemon balm grow in shade?
- Does lemon balm attract bees?
- Is Lemon balm poisonous?
- Does lemon balm affect thyroid?
- What parts of lemon balm are edible?
Should I let lemon balm flower?
The lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) is actually a member of the mint family and is a perennial herb. It grows as a bushy, leafy herb with a pleasant lemon smell and small white flowers. ... Removing the flowers of the plant as soon as they appear will make your lemon balm far less invasive.
Does lemon balm bloom?
Bloom time: Lemon balm blooms throughout the summer and into fall. Leaves: Lemon balm has lemon-scented, oval, toothed leaves that are heavily veined or quilted from 2 to 3 inches long arranged opposite one another on four-sided stems.
Are lemon balm flowers edible?
Lemon Balm can be used both in hot and iced teas and in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. The plant is also often used as a flavoring in ice cream and its also suitable for spicing up chicken and fish dishes. Early fresh leaves can be chopped and added to salads.
What Colour are lemon balm flowers?
Lemon balm is a bushy perennial herb with oval, lemon-scented leaves with scalloped edges, and leafy spikes of creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer.
Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?
Lemon Balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. ... The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
What is the difference between lemon balm and mint?
While mint and lemon balm do come from the same family, they come from different branches of that family. ... Lemon balm's flavor is mildly lemony with a very subtle mint note, while mint's flavor is simply minty with no lemon note.
Can I use lemon balm after it flowers?
Cutting back hard after flowering will produce a fresh flush of leaves. Lemon balm can also be propagated by dividing old clumps in spring or early fall, or from cuttings. ... The leaves may be used fresh or dried, although the dried leaves lose much of their aroma.
Will Lemon balm grow in shade?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a perennial herb hardy to USDA Zone 3, tolerates partial shade and grows well in poor soil as long as the drainage is good. It self-sows easily. Lemon balm may be used in teas, salads and fish dishes or with fruit.
Does lemon balm attract bees?
Lemon balm is a great plant to use as a border to a garden because not only will it emit its fragrant lemony odor when brushed, but it will attract bees into the garden.
Is Lemon balm poisonous?
Lemon balm is considered safe for short-term use. Side effects may include headache, nausea, bloating, gas, vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, stomach pain, painful urination, anxiety, and agitation. The risk of side effects tends to increase with the size of the dose.
Does lemon balm affect thyroid?
Test tube studies have found that lemon balm blocks attachment of antibodies to the thyroid cells that cause Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism). The brain's signal to the thyroid (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) is also blocked from further stimulating the excessively active thyroid gland in this disease.
What parts of lemon balm are edible?
Edible Parts
Leaves are commonly used as a relaxing tea. They can be added into many dishes in which the lemon flavour can be enjoyed. Lemon balm has been added to many desserts including ice cream and custards. It is always to be used fresh when using for food (other than a tea).
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