Dharaseeds
Lemon Balm - Microgreen Seed
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
Lemon Balm Microgreens are young, tender versions of the mature herb, offering the same refreshing lemony flavor and soothing properties in a more compact form. These microgreens grow quickly, making them a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor gardening setup. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils, Lemon Balm microgreens are ideal for adding a fresh, citrusy touch to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and more. With their mild, fragrant lemon flavor, these microgreens can be harvested in just 10-14 days, providing a quick and healthy snack option.
Key Benefits
- Refreshing Lemon Flavor: Offers a mild, citrusy taste similar to the full-grown plant, perfect for garnishing dishes or adding to beverages.
- Quick Growth: Ready to harvest in just 10–14 days, making them one of the fastest-growing microgreens.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and other essential nutrients that contribute to overall health.
- Versatile Culinary Use: Ideal for fresh salads, soups, smoothies, sandwiches, and as a garnish for a variety of dishes.
- Easy to Grow: Lemon Balm microgreens are easy to grow in small spaces, such as windowsills or kitchen counters, making them perfect for indoor gardening.
Plant Features
- Plant Characteristics: Small, vibrant green leaves with a subtle lemon scent, perfect for adding a fresh touch to any meal. The stems are delicate, and the leaves are soft and flavorful.
- Flavor Profile: Lively, lemony flavor with hints of mint and a refreshing citrus finish.
- Size: Grows to about 1–3 inches in height when ready for harvest.
- Growth Habit: Grows in dense clusters of small, tender leaves, making it ideal for microgreens.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Planting Time: Can be grown year-round, with the fastest results during spring or fall when conditions are ideal for indoor growing.
- Temperature: Best grown at temperatures of 65°F–75°F (18°C–24°C) for optimal germination and growth.
Planting Details
- Planting Depth: Sprinkle seeds evenly on the surface of the soil, lightly pressing them down but not covering with soil. Microgreens don't need to be deeply planted.
- Spacing: Microgreens can be sown densely, as they don’t need a lot of space between seeds. Aim for a 1/8-inch gap between seeds.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers a lightweight, well-draining potting mix. A mix that’s good for seed starting is ideal. It can also be grown in shallow containers or trays.
- Sunlight: Needs indirect sunlight for about 4–6 hours per day. If grown indoors, ensure they receive ample light from a window or under a grow light.
Care Instructions
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Mist the soil regularly to maintain moisture, especially if growing indoors where the air can be dry.
- Fertilization: Microgreens generally don't require fertilization. If desired, you can use an organic liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to encourage healthier growth.
- Temperature: Keep the growing area at a stable temperature of 65°F–75°F (18°C–24°C) for the best results.
- Weeding: No significant weeding is necessary for microgreens as they are grown in trays with controlled soil conditions.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Ready for harvest in 10–14 days when the first set of leaves (cotyledons) has fully developed, and the stems are about 1–3 inches tall.
- Harvesting Method: Use clean scissors or shears to snip the microgreens just above the soil line. Harvest only what you need to avoid overharvesting.
- Best Time to Harvest: Harvest in the morning when the microgreens are fresh and full of flavor.
Storage
- Fresh Storage: Microgreens are best eaten fresh. However, they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, you can dry the microgreens by laying them flat on a drying rack and storing them in a cool, dry place, though this may reduce some of their flavor and texture.
Culinary Uses
- Salads: Lemon Balm microgreens make a refreshing addition to salads, offering a burst of citrus flavor.
- Smoothies: Add a small handful of microgreens to smoothies for a nutrient boost and lemony zing.
- Garnishes: Use as a garnish for soups, meats, or vegetable dishes for a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Sandwiches: Sprinkle over sandwiches or wraps for added flavor and crunch.
- Beverages: Lemon Balm microgreens can be added to water or iced tea for a naturally flavored, refreshing drink.
Conclusion
Lemon Balm Microgreen Seed is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow a flavorful, quick-to-harvest herb with a refreshing citrus twist. These microgreens provide a nutrient-rich option for enhancing a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re growing them in small pots, trays, or windowsills, Lemon Balm microgreens are a versatile, easy-to-grow option for both novice and experienced gardeners. Enjoy the lemony flavor and health benefits of fresh Lemon Balm all year round with this easy-to-grow microgreen variety.