Short answer: mix 2 to 5 g of lemon balm seed with a spoonful of fine sand and sprinkle it over the surface of a 10 × 20 inch tray of fine, moist soil. Don't bury it. Mist, cover loosely, and keep it warm and damp until it sprouts. Give light, water from below and cut at 14 to 21 days.
What are lemon balm microgreens?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemony herb in the mint family. Its microgreens are small and tender, with a bright lemon-mint aroma. Sprouting.com gives it 14 to 21 days.1
How to grow lemon balm microgreens
- Day0
Sow on the surface
Mix the tiny seed with a little fine sand for even spreading. Sprinkle it on moist soil and press gently.
- Day0–7
Warm and damp
Cover loosely. Mist daily and keep the tray warm.
- Day7
Light
Uncover once seeds sprout. Give bright light.
- Day14–21
Harvest
Cut above the soil once the seed leaves are open.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Very few seedlings | Seed buried or dried out | Surface-sow, mist often |
| Uneven spread | Tiny seed clumped | Mix with fine sand before sowing |
| Damping off | Too wet | Water from below, add airflow |
Tips for growing lemon balm microgreens
- Use very little seed. About 2 to 5 g covers a full 10 × 20 inch tray.
- Mix with fine sand so the tiny seed spreads evenly.
- Don't cover it. Press it onto the surface and mist gently.
- Keep it warm. Around 70°F (21°C) helps it sprout.
- Water from below so the tiny seedlings don't flatten.
Lemon balm vs basil microgreens
Both are slow, aromatic herbs. Basil has bigger seed and a sweet, clove-like flavour. Lemon balm has tiny seed and a bright lemon-mint taste. Basil suits savoury dishes. Lemon balm shines in drinks and desserts.
Ways to use lemon balm microgreens
- Iced tea and lemonade: a few sprigs in each glass.
- Fruit salad: with berries, melon and peaches.
- Yogurt and granola: a fresh finish.
- Desserts: on panna cotta, sorbet and lemon tart.
- Fish: a light garnish on white fish with lemon.
Lemon balm is in the mint family, so it pairs well with shiso and thyme in a mixed herb garnish.
Storing and eating
Use within 3 to 5 days. Lemon balm microgreens are lovely in drinks, fruit salads, panna cotta and yogurt bowls. See how to garnish with microgreens.
Lemon balm FAQ
How much lemon balm seed do I need?
Very little: about 2 to 5 g for a 10 × 20 inch tray. The seed is tiny, so mix it with a little fine sand to spread it evenly.
How long do lemon balm microgreens take?
About 14 to 21 days. Germination is slow, so keep the tray warm and damp.
How do I use lemon balm microgreens?
In iced tea, lemonade, cocktails, fruit salads, yogurt and desserts.
Is lemon balm related to mint?
Yes. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is in the mint family, which explains its lemony mint flavour.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Sprouting.com (Mumm's Sprouting Seeds). Product pages: days to sprout, soak time and yield for each seed. Link
