Lemon Balm 'Mandarina Orange' is a hardy, non-evergreen perennial plant. Other names for this plant include Orange Balm, Sweet Mary 'Mandarina Orange', Honey Plant 'Mandarina Orange', and Dropwort 'Mandarina Orange'. Lemon Balm 'Mandarina Orange' belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), just like spearmint, horsemint, pennyroyal, peppermint, apple mint, catnip, winter savory, summer savory, lavender, thyme, and water mint. The small leaves of this special variety of common lemon balm have a distinct orange fragrance and flavour. The leaves can be used both fresh and dried. For the best quality, harvest the leaves in the second year after sowing before the plant starts flowering (July–September). Lemon Balm 'Mandarina Orange' originates from the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe, including France, Spain, and Italy. It has traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes, such as relieving insomnia, heart palpitations, irritability, nervousness, menstrual discomfort, stress, and as a natural mosquito repellent. Due to its low-growing habit, it can also be used as a ground cover plant.
The fresh and dried leaves can be used to make herbal tea. They are also delicious in a wide range of fish dishes, meat dishes, soups, sauces, casseroles, stir-fries, desserts, fruit salads, green salads, stews, omelets, and many other recipes. The leaves, stems, and flowers of Lemon Balm 'Mandarina Orange' are all edible. Do not cook the leaves for too long, as this causes a loss of flavor. Add them at the very end of the cooking process. The flowers can be used as an edible garnish, for example in salads. Lemon Balm 'Mandarina Orange' contains the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B11, B12, C, and E. Minerals include calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and zinc. It also contains antioxidants, carbohydrates, and very few calories. This plant is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It can be propagated by cuttings, division, and seed. Never allow the plant to dry out completely, as this significantly reduces the quality of the leaves.Lemon Balm 'Mandarina Orange' can also be grown very easily in large pots, planters, and balcony containers. This makes it ideal for people who would like to grow this easy-care herb but do not have access to a garden. Lemon Balm 'Mandarina Orange' can be frozen (up to 12 months), dried (up to 12 months), or stored for a few days (2 - 3 days) in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer. To dry lemon balm, place the leafy stems in a well-ventilated, sunny area. Lay the stems on a dry kitchen towel or spread them out on a mesh rack. Ensure good air circulation and turn the leaves regularly. Drying usually takes 10 - 14 days. Once the leaves are completely dry, crumble them and store them in a plastic or glass container with a lid. Keep the container in a dry, cool, dark, and frost-free place. Non-evergreen. Hardy perennial. Height: 50 - 60 cm.
Outdoor sowing: April - May
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 20°C
Sowing depth: ½ tot 1 cm
Planting distance: 25 cm
Plant position: sunny - half shade
Days till harvest: in the 2nd year after sowing
Harvest period: May - October
Sow in the garden from April, when there is no chance of night frost. Cover the seeds with about 1 cm of sowing soil. Sow in a sheltered, sunny spot with some shade from early afternoon. Keep well moist and weed-free.
Once large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings to 25 cm. This perennial plant can overwinter very well outdoors in a sheltered place.
This plant can be used to make a refreshing herbal tea, among other things. The leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dried. Dry the leaves in a shady place with good ventilation. For instance outside under a shelter, in a shed or inside the house. Cut whole branches from the plant, possibly with flowers attached. Hang the branches tied together with string or elastic upside down and let the branches dry very well. After this, the dried leaves can be pulverised. You can store this in a sealed plastic container or glass jar for a very long time. (6 - 12 months).
