Herb
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Varieties We Carry
StandardMelissa officinalis
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$2.50
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size12-24 inches × 12-18 inches
About Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fast-growing, fragrant perennial herb in the mint family with soft, lemon-scented leaves and small white flowers attractive to bees. It is hardy in zone 9b and grows well in NE Florida in partial shade with consistent moisture; afternoon shade, good air circulation, and base watering are key to preventing powdery mildew in Florida's humidity. Starting at $2.50.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Herbaceous perennial
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
In NE Florida, grow lemon balm in partial shade — afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch and wilting during hot summers. Morning sun is beneficial; avoid full afternoon sun in zones 9a/9b.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; do not let it dry out completely. Water at the base in the morning to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of powdery mildew, which is a concern in NE Florida's high humidity. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for good air circulation.
Soil & Fertilizer
Grows well in NE Florida's sandy, well-drained soil amended with compost. A light balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient; avoid over-fertilizing, which promotes excess leafy growth at the expense of fragrance and invites fungal disease.
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Common questions
Is Lemon Balm a good plant for St. Augustine?
Lemon Balm is a herb for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 12-24 inches × 12-18 inches.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed June 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.