Citro Quick" Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm 'Citro Quick' is a bushy variety whose stems, 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in) tall, grow in all directions. Its leaves are dark green, toothed and wavy. They are also highly fragrant and lemon-scented. Sowing takes place from March to May and from September to November for harvests from May to October.

This plant is so easy to cultivate that it can be grown in a pot for a long time, as long as it is regularly divided. Plant it alone, otherwise it quickly encroaches on the living space of its neighbours. Its lemon scent repels mosquitoes, so plant it in a pot near where you eat your meals on beautiful summer evenings, and even better, prepare a few small bouquets to place on the table.
The flavour of lemon balm complements both savoury dishes and desserts, not to mention hot or cold drinks. Finely chopped, the leaves enhance salads and all kinds of raw vegetables, sauces, soups...

Harvest: The harvest takes place from May to October, as needed. It is in June that it concentrates its aromatic qualities the most.

Storage: Lemon balm leaves freeze very well. Drying yields fairly good results, but the leaves only retain their fragrance for a few months. To dry them, hang the stems in a well-ventilated area, then store the leaves in airtight jars.

Gardener's tip: Lemon balm is appreciated by all plants, especially broad beans and beans, and its lemon scent repels mosquitoes, aphids and flies. Planted at the base of roses and fruit trees, it protects them from aphids.