Melissa AROMATIC TAVRIDA

Aromatic Tavrida is a lemon balm variety obtained as a result of the selection of subspecies of highest and crimchan. The plant is characterized by average density, semi-closed stem and height of about 80-90 cm, although under some conditions it can reach 55-78 cm. Leaves are dark green with a bright yellowish-green tint, and the corolla of the flower is light purple or lilac, without a median tooth of the upper lip of the calyx. These features make the plant attractive as both decorative-garden and industrial use.

In the perfume industry, aromatic tavrida is valued for high yield of green mass - up to 184 c/ga - and content of essential oil in dry matter of about 0.15%. Collection of essential oil reaches 7.39 kg/ga, while the perfumery assessment is 4.7 points. Main components of oil - cariofilene (25-36%) and germacrene D (18-31%), as well as citral in the form of E and Z isomers up to 65%. These compounds provide a characteristic lemon-geranial aroma, suitable for production of essential oils, teas and means of folk medicine.

The variety is grown mainly vegetatively by dividing the bush, which allows to maintain stable varietal characteristics. The vegetative period is about 90-100 days from regrowth to flowering, and the plant shows moderate drought resistance (3.7 points). Thanks to compact growth and bright leaf color, aromatic tavrida is also suitable for container cultivation in partial shade, where its yellow-green leaves retain a saturated color without burning. This makes the variety universal for both commercial production of essential oils and decorative greening.