HERB OF THE MONTH Lemon balm

This month we look at the deliciously scented herb Melissa officinalis that you will love to grow

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This strongly perfumed herb looks very much like mint but that is not surprising as it belongs to the same plant family. Lemon balm is native to southern Europe and Northern Africa but, despite its origins in sunnier climes, it does seem to do very well in the UK and is actually quite a tough little plant and easy to grow. It almost rivals a lemon in its lemony scent and does have a mild lemon flavour. It can grow up to 80cm (32in) tall but some of the varieties you can buy (see below) are more compact.

HOW TO GROW

Lemon balm is easy to grow and happy in most soils. It will grow in full sun but a bit of light shade is also good. If you know someone who has a clump you can easily divide it, or just take a section from the edge of a clump including some roots and away you go. You can buy small pots of the herb in good garden centres or nurseries. It can also be grown from seed sown in spring.