Medicinal Melissa in a pot diameter of 12 cm (perennial)

• Light: Very flexible! Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Regular - likes moist but not wet soil
• Soil: Almost any type! Well-drained and rich is preferred.
• Temperature: Tolerant to cold and heat. Perennial in Israel!
• Fertilization: Minimal - doesn't need much
• Pruning: Trim regularly to encourage dense, fresh growth
• Spread: Caution! Spreads easily - consider growing in a pot
• Harvest: Pick leaves before flowering for best flavor.

• Excessive spread: a common "problem"! Grow in a pot or limit with a barrier
• Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage
• Weak flavor: too much shade or too rich soil
• Early flowering: Water or heat stress. Cut flowers to encourage foliage.
• Aphids: Check under the leaves. Treat with potassium soap.
• Flour Mill: In high humidity conditions. Improve ventilation.
• Snails: Love the soft leaves. Remove by hand.
• Ants: Sometimes attracted to the plant. Not harmful.

• 🍋 Lemony scent: Refreshing and soothing scent - just touch the leaves!
• 🍵 Soothing tea: helps with relaxation, good sleep and digestion
• 🐾 Pet Safe: ASPCA certified - non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses!
• 🐝 Bee attractant: The name "Melissa" = honey bee in Greek!
• 🦟 Mosquito repellent: The scent of lemon keeps insects away
• 🌿 Easy to grow: grows in almost any conditions
• 👨‍🍳 Culinary uses: salads, desserts, drinks
• 💊 Medicinal plant: used in natural medicine since ancient times

• Scientific name: Melissa officinalis
• Family: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae family - like mint!)
• Origin: Mediterranean region and Western Asia
• Height at maturity: 30-70 cm
• Growth rate: Very fast
• Plant type: Perennial (returns every year!)
• Flowering: Small yellowish-white flowers in summer
• Other names: Lemon Balm, Lemon Balm, Bee Herb
• Origin of the name: "Melissa" = bee in Greek (the flowers attract bees!)
• 📏 The height is that of the mature plant – the size it reaches over time, not the size it is shipped at.

• Melissa tea: a soothing infusion - fresh or dried leaves in boiling water
• Salads: Fresh leaves add a refreshing lemony flavor
• Desserts: lemonade, ice cream, cakes, sorbet
• Fish: Especially suitable for fish dishes
• Drinks: Melissa Mojito, iced tea, smoothies
• Essential oil: for aromatherapy and relaxation
• Cosmetics: in soaps, creams and skincare products

🍵 Tea recipe: A handful of fresh leaves + boiling water + 5 minutes of steeping + honey to taste. Also great cold with ice cubes!

• Calming: Helps reduce stress and anxiety
• Sleep: Tea before bed for a restful sleep
• Digestion: Soothes the stomach, reduces gas and bloating
• Headaches: Traditional use for headache relief
• Antiviral: Studies show activity against viruses
• Antibacterial: Natural antiseptic properties
• Memory and concentration: Studies examine the effect on cognition

⚕️ Note: The above information is traditional and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using for medical purposes.

• Division: The easiest way! Divide clumps in spring or fall
• Stem cuttings: Cut a 10 cm long stem, plant in moist soil
• Seeds: Sow in spring - germinate within 1-2 weeks
• Carpet seedlings: stems that touch the ground root on their own!
• Self-propagating: spreads on its own - sometimes even too much...