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Wild Bergamot

SKU: BE01202A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 2000-2500 seeds per gram.
Lot# BE01202 
Monarda fistulosa
Wild Bergamot is commonly known as Bee Balm-a showy perennial.  Curious fragment flowers that vary in shades from pink to lavender appear in July and August above stout, strong stems bearing aromatic leaves.  The flowers, leaves and stems of this herb are all edible.   Plants grow to a height of 60-90 cm (24-36"). Flowers grow to 5-10 cm, (2-4”) heads.
Planting Instructions:   
  • Sow indoors late February to mid-March.  Seeds can also be direct sown in October. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15-21°C (60-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days.  Barely cover the tiny seeds with soil. Thin or space transplants 45-60 cm (18-24") apart.  Avoid overhead watering. Plants colonize by rhizome growth, and should be dug up and divided every three years to contain them. This will improve plant growth and vigor. 
  • Soil Conditions:  Thrives in a wide range of soils. 
  • Planting Depth:  Barely cover the tiny seeds with soil. 
  • Germination: 7 to 14 days.
  • Height at Maturity: 60-90 cm (24-36”) tall. Spread: 60-90 cm (24-36”)
  • Days to Maturity:  (70-90 days)   Harvest leaves when plant is able to support harvesting.  For drying purposes, it is best to harvest the leaves before the flowers open. Cut flowers for drying as soon as they’re fully open.
  • Sun/Shade: Full Sun to partial Shade   
  • Spacing after Thinning:   Thin or space transplants 45-60 cm (18-24″) apart. 
Additional Information
Best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Bergamot can tolerate poor soils and some drought. The plants do need good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew- especially in crowded gardens. Deadhead flowers to prolong summer bloom. Bergamot tends to self-seed if the seeds are not harvested.  The plant produces bright pink-lavender colored flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. The toothed, aromatic, oblong, grayish-green, 10 cm (4") leaves may be used in teas. Bergamot-Wild Monarda has a long summer bloom period.
Bergamot is also known as Bee Balm, Scarlet Bee-balm, Horsemint, and by its genus name, Monarda. All varieties are aromatic and highly attractive to pollinators, including humming birds. Pick the leaves as desired for fresh use in the kitchen. If storing dried leaves, it is best to harvest the leaves before the flowers open. Cut flowers for drying as soon as they’re fully open and deadhead often to prolong summer blooms. Masses of tiered pink-purple blossoms grow from August until frost.