Bergamot Seeds - Lemon Mint

(Monarda citriodora) Perennial. 120 days to maturity. 

Welcome pollinators, one and all! Bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds will gather en masse around Lemon Mint’s clusters of fragrant lavander flowers. Also known as lemon bee balm. 

Leaves are citrus-scented and lovely for tea.

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Growth Habit: Upright growth to 3 feet height with sturdy stems, oblong, serrated leaves, and clusters of tiered flowers with small petals. Perennial in zones 5 - 9; hardy annual in cooler climates. Self seeds freely.

Sun Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Average, moist, well drained soil

When to Plant: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last Spring frost OR direct seed outdoors in early Spring OR Fall. 

How to Plant:  

Direct sow:  Sow seeds on soil surface and cover only very lightly with soil; seeds need light and moisture to germinate. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Thin young plants 2-3 feet apart.

Transplant:  Sow seeds on soil surface and cover only very lightly with soil; seeds need light and moisture to germinate. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Transplant young seedlings outside in Spring and space seedlings 2-3 feet apart. 

When to Harvest:  Harvest leaves before flowers open. Harvest flowers from Summer into Fall. Dead flowers regularly to prolong blooming.

How to Harvest:  Harvest leaves before flowers open. For drying, harvest flowers when they fully open. 

Uses: The fragrant, lemony leaves of Lemon Mint Bergamot are edible and lovely steeped as tea. It is a wonderful cut flower and very attractive to pollinators. 

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