Order Now · Ships Spring 2026
Melissa officinalis (Lime Balm)
Melissa officinalis (Lime Balm)
🌱 6-plant minimum per order — mix & match any varieties
📦 Shipping reflects true carrier pricing from our nursery to your door. No markup—just the real cost of safe plant delivery.
📦 Ships in a 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot — well-rooted & ready to plant
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Lime balm is a delightful variation of classic lemon balm, offering the same easygoing growth and soft, textured leaves—just with a distinct lime fragrance and flavor instead of lemon. The foliage is a lighter green than traditional lemon balm, giving it a fresh, clean look in the garden.
From early to midsummer, small white to pale lavender flowers appear, drawing in bees and beneficial insects. This plant is both beautiful and useful—perfect for gardeners who want herbs that look good and earn their keep.
Lime balm is a strong, vigorous grower and is happiest when given space or grown in containers to keep it in bounds. It’s forgiving, hardy, and ideal for gardeners who enjoy harvesting often.
BEST USES
- Tea and herbal drinks
- Fresh eating and garnishes
- Herb gardens
- Containers (to manage spread)
- Pollinator gardens
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis ‘Lime Balm’
- Common Name: Lime balm
- Height x Width: Similar to lemon balm; vigorous spreader
- USDA Zones: 6–9
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Growth Habit: Spreading
- Bloom Color: White to pale lavender
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
- Fragrance Strength: Sweet, citrus-lime
CULINARY USES
Lime balm is best used fresh for its bright, citrusy flavor.
Use in:
- Hot and iced teas
- Fruit salads and desserts
- Fresh snacking right from the garden
- Syrups, jellies, and herbal infusions
- Light savory dishes and sauces
The flavor is gentle, refreshing, and never sharp.
PAIRS WELL WITH
Lime balm blends beautifully in the kitchen and garden with:
- Mint – layered, refreshing teas
- Lavender – floral-citrus combinations
- Chamomile – calming herbal blends
- Strawberries – bright summer desserts
POT SIZE: 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot
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What to Expect With Your Plants
What size plants will I receive?
Most plants ship in 2 3/8” x 3 3/4” band pots—ideal for healthy root growth.
Top growth varies by variety and season, but every plant arrives well-rooted, actively growing, and ready to plant.
Grown naturally without artificial heat or lights, our plants are hardy, adaptable, and ready to thrive in real garden conditions.
When will my plants ship?
We schedule plant orders based on your area’s average last frost date and when each plant is truly ready to ship. You’ll receive an email with your estimated ship date once your order is scheduled.
Orders ship Monday–Wednesday via UPS or USPS (2–3 day service), so your plants arrive before the weekend and spend less time in transit. Shipping begins in spring—usually mid-April—when weather and plant health align, so your plants arrive strong, well-rooted, and ready to thrive.
Do you guarantee your plants?
We stand behind our plants and our packing process. While we can't control weather or how plants are cared for after arrival, we do guarantee that your plants will arrive healthy and in good condition. If there's an issue, just reach out and we're happy to help.
Have more questions?
We want you to feel good about your plant order. Find answers about shipping, sizing, care, and guarantees in our full FAQ.