(Monarda citriodora) A member of the mint family, this perennial flowering herb is native across much of the United States and Mexico. Vertically stacked whorls of impossibly vibrant purple flowers prove irresistible to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and just buzz with pollinators (hence another common name for it, "bee balm"). The young leaves and flowers are edible and have been long used to lend a lemony-citrusy taste to herbal teas, sweets, and even liquors. They are also excellent as cuts with a long vase life. Usually grown as a half-hardy annual.
90 days, UO

Packet: 100 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant after your last frost.

Note: Deadhead to prolong blooming period.

PLANTING DEPTH:

Surface sow

SPACING:

18"

EMERGENCE:

10-30 days @ soil temp 60-70F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Average. Prefers well-drained, and evenly moist soil.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Irresistible to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and just buzzing with pollinators

Deadhead to encourage blooms.

Edible young leaves and flowers.

Fresh and dried flowers.

Harvest in the cool of the day and when whorls begin to color purple. Expect a vase life of one week. Hang to dry.