Wild Bergamot

SKU: HR1076
Wild Bergamot seeds, commonly known as Bee Balm, produce curious flowers that vary in shades from pink to lavender. These flowers appear in July and August above stout, strong stems bearing aromatic leaves. Read More

Exposure Full-sun

Season Warm season

Wild Bergamot has a rating of 4.5 stars based on 12 reviews.
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Attracts Pollinators Cut Flowers
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How to grow Bergamot seeds

Product Details

Monarda fistulosa. Commonly known as Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot is a wildflower that produces blooms that vary in shades from pink to lavender. These flowers appear in July and August above stout, strong stems bearing scented leaves. Wild Bergamont is unrelated to the bergamot citrus fruit that lend Earl Grey tea its distinct flavour, but the leaves are excellent in tea, with peppery/lemony/minty notes. Plants grow to a height of 60-90cm (24-36"), and those that don't survive as perennials in Coastal gardens will likely self-sow. All bergamots are highly attractive to beneficial pollinators like butterflies and wild bees. Hummingbirds will stage territorial fights to stake their claims over a wild bergamot plant in full bloom.

Quick Facts:

    • Highly attractive to pollinators
    • Flowers vary from pink to lavender
    • Commonly known as bee balm
    • Grows to height of 60-90cm (24-36")

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Wild Bergamot

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All About Wild Bergamot

Latin

Latin
Lemon Bergamot: Monarda citriodora, Wild Bergamot: M. fistulosa
Family: Lamiaceae

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Season: Warm season
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: M. citriodora to Zone 5, M. fistulosa to Zone 3.

Timing

Timing
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow in early spring when a light frost is still possible. Seeds can also be direct sown in the fall, as the first frost approaches. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15-21°C (60-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 10-40 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.

Starting

Starting
Barely cover the tiny seeds with soil. Thin or space transplants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart. These vigorous perennials will grow in, closer together over time.

Growing

Growing
Any ordinary garden soil will work. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Where summers are long, plants are prone to mildew, so avoid overhead watering. Deadhead regularly to prolong the blooming period. These perennial plants spread by rhizome growth, and should be dug and divided every three years.

Harvest

Harvest
Pick the leaves as desired for fresh use in the kitchen. For drying, harvest leaves before the flowers open. Cut flowers for drying as soon as they’re fully open. Masses of tiered pink-purple blossoms grow from August until frost.

How to Grow Bergamont

Step 1

Timing

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow in early spring when a light frost is still possible. Seeds can also be direct sown in the fall, as the first frost approaches. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15-21°C (60-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 10-40 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.

Step 2

Starting

Barely cover the tiny seeds with soil. Thin or space transplants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart. These vigorous perennials will grow in, closer together over time.

Step 3

Growing

Any ordinary garden soil will work. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Where summers are long, plants are prone to mildew, so avoid overhead watering. Deadhead regularly to prolong the blooming period. These perennial plants spread by rhizome growth, and should be dug and divided every three years.

Step 4

Harvest

Pick the leaves as desired for fresh use in the kitchen. For drying, harvest leaves before the flowers open. Cut flowers for drying as soon as they’re fully open. Masses of tiered pink-purple blossoms grow from August until frost.

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