Bergamot - Lemon

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CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
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Approximately 1900 seeds per gram.
Lot# BE01200
Monarda citriodora​
Lemon bergamot is a fast growing, annual herb reaching 60-90cm (24-36”).   It comes from the mint family and may be called Lemon Bee Balm, Lemon Mint.  When the crushed, the leaves have a fragrance reminiscent of lemons. Some people describe it as being like oregano, especially later in the season on older leaves. The plant forms a clump with several stems growing out from the centre. The green leaves are 3-8cm long, lanceolate to oval shaped, ending in points. Whorls of white, pink or purple flowers are arranged around the thin stems, creating a lovely flower show.
Planting Instructions:
  •  Start indoors in a soil-less mix 8 weeks before planting out in late May or early June. Leave seed uncovered, water carefully and maintain 22° C (72 F°) for the 10 day germination period. Grow on under lights at a cooler temperature of 14° C (58 F°) before hardening off then transplanting outside after the danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny site and space plants 25 cm (10") apart.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Prefers high percentage of clay in its soil, but it is important to choose an area which is not at risk of water logging. Lemon bergamot is drought tolerant and can tolerate a good deal of lime or alkaline soils.   PH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 5.5-6.5.
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds on top of soil.
  • Height at Maturity:  45-61cm (18-24”) tall with a spread of 45-61cm (18-24”).
  • Days to Maturity:  (100-120 days).  Killed by frost. 
  • Watering:   Lemon Bergamot has regular water requirements to support leaf production.  Try to use soaker hoses or drip lines to water with- avoid overhead watering. (Helps prevents fungal diseases) and keeps water off the leaves.  Water the plants evenly to help them grow better. Water often during dry spells in the summer. You can also mulch the plants to help conserve moisture.
  • Sun/Shade: Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:  45-60cm (18-24″) apart in rows 45-61cm (18-24”) apart.
Additional Information
Harvest 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 pink-purple blossoms grow from August until frost.  Lemon bergamot will self-sow, and its seeds are easy to collect for seed saving. Attractive to honey bees and other beneficial pollinators.  Can be used in flower arrangements and the dried flowers used in making tea.