Grow a garden filled with Wild Bee Balm, from freshly harvested Monarda fistulosa flower seeds. Wild Bee Balm, also known as Wild Bergamot, will produce gorgeous, lilac-pink colored blooms through the Spring and Summer months. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of roughly 36 to 48 inches tall and will produce 2 inch flowers. The leaves of this stunning plant are aromatic, and the nectar will attract all sorts of beneficial insects to the garden, such as hummingbirds, honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies and more. Several plants can easily spread out, forming mounds of color in many areas of the garden. These plants are popularly chosen for borders, along fences and paths, or directly in the garden. Wild Bee Balm is also seen in many public parks, zoos, butterfly gardens and insectaries as well.
Grown as a perennial flowering plant, Wild Bee Balm will establish a deep root system, which will allow the plants to remain dormant in the cold temperatures of the winter season. The plants can then reestablish themselves the following year, after all danger of frost has passed. When the blooms of your Wild Bee Balm plants become old and start to wilt, simply pop the heads off to replace them with new flowers. Powdery mildew can be a major issue for not only Wild Bee Balm, but most other Monarda plants as well. To prevent powdery mildew, we suggest cutting back thicker foliage, allowing air to circulate through the plants more efficiently. You can also water the plants directly at the root to avoid mildew as well.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Lavender
- Height: 36″ to 48″ Tall
- Season: Tender perennial
- Zones: 3 to 10
- Environment: Full sun / partial shade
- Uses: Flower beds, borders. Attracts butterflies and bumblebees. Edible flowers.
Sowing The Seed
Monarda seeds can be started indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow at a depth of 1/16” under topsoil, in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Transplant, or direct sow into the garden or in containers when the weather is warm. Keep in mind that Monarda seeds will require sunlight to germinate.
Growing Conditions
Bee Balm plants will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight to partial shade for the majority of the day. They tend to thrive best in rich, well draining soils. It’s recommended to mix any hard compact soil with compost for better drainage. Water the seeds daily to ensure that the soil is kept moist until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Seeds will begin to germinate within 14 to 28 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of around 36 to 48 inches tall and can be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. Wild Bee Balm produces lavender pink colored blooms that attract an array of beneficial insects including bumblebees & butterflies.