Citronella Balm Citronella balm contains almost double the amount of essential oil than other lemon balm plants. The fragrant scented leaves of lemon are most often used in tea, salad dressings, potpourri and meat marinades. The strong lemon aroma even helps repel pesky mosquitos and biting flies in the garden! Easy to grow because it is very hardy and drought tolerant, it does spread easily. In fact, it is advisable to grow it in containers unless it is separate from the rest of the garden (or unless you are a very dedicated gardener who enjoys cutting back) because it tends to be invasive. A frost hardy perennial, citronella balm’s leaves can be harvested at any time for fresh use. For longer term storage, harvest leaves and stems and hang upside down in small bunches, or strip leaves from stems and dry on screens or in a dehydrator on low. Dried leaves do not retain as much lemon flavor as fresh, but are excellent for making tea or potpourri. This information came from Pantry Garden Herbs and Veggies. Check out their website it is very informative..
Lemon Balm Lemon Balm can be grown by anyone, gardener or not, in highly varied conditions. It is so easy to grow because it is very hardy and drought tolerant, it does spread easily. In fact, it is advisable to grow it in pots unless it is separate from the rest of the garden (or unless you are a very dedicated gardener who enjoys cutting back) because it tends to be invasive. Growing it is very rewarding, though, because of its delightful lemon scent and flavor. It adds a tangy zest to any dish that is complementary to the flavor of lemon, whether it is fruit salad, fish, salad dressing, or meat marinade. Lemon Balm is also delicious in iced tea. A frost hardy perennial, lemon balm’s leaves can be harvested at any time for fresh use. For longer term storage, harvest leaves and stems and hang upside down in small bunches, or strip leaves from stems and dry on screens or in a dehydrator on low. Dried leaves do not retain as much lemon flavor as fresh, but are excellent for making tea or potpourri. Harvest before flowering for optimum fragrance. This information came from Pantry Garden Herbs and Veggies. Check out their website it is very informative.
Orange Balm Mandarina This sweet orange scented Mandarina will add magnificence as ground cover in your landscape or as a spiller in mixed pot containers. Orange Balm Mandarina is an attractive, easy to grow, strong spreading, hardy perennial. It produces small white flowers in the summer with leaves that can be used for herbal teas, potpourri and other medicinal uses. Bees and butterflies love it as well! Add it to your landscape for a pop of unique color. This information comes from Park Seed Company one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.