It appears throughout the country as a wild plant, usually around rivers and deciduous mountains.
Morphological and physiological characteristics
It is a perennial, green plant with a height of 60 – 80 cm. From the upper part of the branched roots emerge stems with square-shaped stems. The leaves are arranged as in the orderings one against the other in the Lamiaceae family. Melissa is very resistant to low temperatures, so in our country it poses no risk during winter.
Chemical composition and usage
Melissa is mainly cultivated for the purpose of extracting essential oil. The oil is obtained with the help of steam distillation from the leaves (Melissae folium), and often from the tips of the branches during the flowering stage (Melissae herba). The essential oil is colorless or yellowish, with a pleasant aroma and taste. In medicine, Melissa is used as a remedy for the digestive tract, heart difficulties, migraines, nervous difficulties, hysteria, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dental diseases, and gums. It is also used externally for neurology and rheumatism. Fresh lemon balm leaves are used as a sauce for salads, boiled stews, vegetables, and soup. They are also used in the preparation of soft cheeses.
Due to its pleasant taste and aroma, Melissa is often used as a refreshing drink. For tea, it is most often used in mixtures with other medicinal plants, such as chamomile, mint, etc.
In the food industry, it is used for the production of chocolates, etc.
In cosmetics, it is used to produce refreshing fragrances, perfumes, creams, and soaps.
Conditions for success
Climate - Regarding its range, it grows under extremely different climatic conditions. High altitudes are not favorable for lemon balm. It thrives best in regions where rainfall reaches up to 600 mm. It also thrives in places with very good ventilation.
Soil – It suits very well-fed, loose soils, soils rich in humus, and medium moisture. It does not suit heavy and wet soils.
Cultivation
Crop rotation - Melisa, as a perennial crop, can be cultivated in the same place after 5-6 years; for this reason, it is not included in the classic circulation. There are no special requirements for pre-cultivation, but crops fertilized with organic manure, specifically barn manure, are suitable.
Basic soil cultivation - Special care is required not only regarding the time period and depth but also weed removal. Weed removal is particularly important considering that lemon balm is a perennial plant. Deep tillage is done in autumn; if planting is planned for spring, then the beds should be left open. If planting is done in autumn, soil preparation for planting is done immediately.
Fertilization - Melissa is best suited if cultivated after some pre-crop, provided it has been well fertilized with barn manure.
Propagation - It can be propagated in two ways: by cuttings from the cutting and by producing seedlings on cold bark, and then by placing the seedlings in their permanent location. In practice, the second method is mostly preferred.
Cold bark is simply prepared, and the soil is finely compacted. The seeds are then spread evenly or in a row. The planted seed is covered with a layer of well-prepared soil (approximately 50:50 ratio of fertilizer). It should be watered continuously until it sets. Germination is expected to occur within 15–20 days. Seedlings remain on the bark for 70–90 days. Usually, 200–300 seedlings with a height of 10–12 cmare taken per square meter.
Planting seedlings in a permanent location - Usually, planting is done in autumn or early spring. Planting should be done at a distance of 60-70 cm in rows and 20-30 cm within rows. Planting, like other vegetables, is done by hand in a small area, while with a machine for planting seedlings over large areas. When planting by hand, it is advisable to open the holes to a depth of 6-8 cm. The seedlings are laid on one side of the husk, then the soil on the opposite side is well covered and strengthened with soil.
Care
During the cultivation of lemon balm, special care must be taken because the quality of the herb depends on these agrotechnical measures: weeding, feeding, cultivation between rows, weed removal, and irrigation.
Cultivation between rows and mowing - This activity is carried out as a principle for all crops planted in wide rows. Usually, depending on the weed scale, mallow is harrowed 2 to 3 times. The first mowing is done as soon as the plants are identified in the row, breaking the established soil crust and increasing aeration. The second mowing occurs 15-20 days after the first harrow, and the third mowing as needed, usually before harvesting. This would allow the harvested plants not to retain weed.
Work between rows is done with machines. It is known that grown plants reduce the space between rows, so the car clamping area should be reduced to avoid damaging the plants.
Diseases and pests. In wet years, lemon balm leaves can develop diseases caused by fungi (Septoria Melisa), which manifest as dark black spots on the leaves.
Harvesting - Melissa is mowed twice a year, and with the full application of agrotechnical measures, the number of mowings can even increase. It should be mowed approximately before the plant blooms, in dry and beautiful weather at a height of 5-10 cm above the ground. Lower mowing stimulates the appearance of a larger number of shoots.
Melissa can be dried naturally if produced in small quantities, in garages, ceilings, or places not exposed to rain. D.m.th plants are not exposed to direct sunlight, thus preserving quality. Drying can also be done in a dryer for 2-3 hours at 55°C and then reduced to 40-45°C. Tunnel greenhouses, described above in the general section of this brochure, can also be utilized
Yield - It varies, and 1 ha in the first year yields 600-800 kg/ha of dried leaves. In the second and third years, the yield ranges from 2000-3000 kg/ha. Often, the whole plant of lemon balm is in demand on the market. Thus, the herb yield in the first year is 1000 – 2000 kg/ha, while in the second year it should be from 4000-6000 kg/ha.
A good quality honeysuckle leaf should retain its green color. The leaves must not be finely crushed; they are packed in paper bags and stored in a cool, ventilated place.
Available in: SHQ, ENG, SRB