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Bee Balm - Lemon Bergamot
Bee Balm - Lemon Bergamot
Bee Balm - Lemon Bergamot
Seed Packet

Bee Balm - Lemon Bergamot

Monarda citriodora
Called prairie bergamot, horsemint, or lemon bergamot, this valuable herb has long been part of the plant lexicon. Brewed into a lemony fragranced tea and adding a leafy citrus kick to salads, this bountiful native flower grows readily in dry meadows and is right at home in cottage gardens. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to the large clusters of arching lavender-pink florets. Rated as excellent mildew resistance in the Mt. Cuba trials.
SKU #S1614
$3.25
Currently Unavailable
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Growing Companions
Lemon Balm Organic
Lemon Balm Organic
Agastache 'Heather Queen'
Agastache 'Heather Queen'
Hyssop Organic
Hyssop Organic
Cupid's Dart
Cupid's Dart
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
176
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Hardy Annual
Mature Size
1-3' h x 1-1.5' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular, well-drained
Season
Summer
Color
Lavender pink
Features
Scented Leaves
Great for containers
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
Attracts Beneficial Insects
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Barely cover 1/16"
Sprout Time:
10-30 days
Seed To Bloom:
14-16 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. A sprinkle of vermiculite over seed trays will increase humidity for good germination. Keep at 65-70°F .
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Also known as purple horsemint, this native annual is at home in meadow plantings, hard-to-plant slopes, and herb and cottage gardens. Adaptable, lemon bergamot grows and spreads readily by self-sowing in most soils as long as they are well-drained. Lemon-scented flowers are humming with native bees and alive with fluttering butterflies and hummingbirds all summer. They are also a boon to cooks for their citrus-flavored leaves and add a bright, spicy note to tea infusions and salads. Flower petals can be plucked and scattered on salads or whole stems cut for bouquets. Deadhead, leaving some to self-sow.
Final Spacing:
2'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Keep moist until plants are established, then provide water during especially dry spells. Regular watering will help promote more flowering.
Soil pH:
Prefers neutral to alkaline pH levels. If soil is very acidic, mix in some lime, bone meal, or hardwood ash prior to planting.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a couple of inches of compost prior to planting.
Diseases & Pests:
Not as susceptible to powdery mildew as other species, however space apart for good air circulation and healthy plants.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
When flowers are nearly open. Harvest leaves at any time.
Growing Guides Fall Sowing Hardy Annuals
Access here