COYOTE MINT SEEDS

Monardella odoratissima

Rare and extraordinary little tea herb. Native to the hot dry mountains of western North America and used by indigenous peoples of that region much like Monarda species in eastern North America, typically brewed as a pleasant medicinal infusion or decoction. Safe for use with children. Difficult to establish outside of its native range, but worth the trouble of trying.

Sow these seeds atop moist loose soil, such as FoxFarm Light Warrior or regular potting soil cut with an organic cactus mix, and sprinkle lightly with fine vermiculite. Mist generously and cover with plastic to maintain moisture. These seeds germinate best in a sheltered location outdoors, away from direct sunlight, over several weeks in late winter through early spring. They may also do well if kept in an unheated shed or barn under lights for several weeks in winter before being moved to cool room temperature in bright light to germinate. Do not use heat to coax these seeds out of dormancy because it will have the opposite effect. As with many wild alpine species the natural fluctuations in temperature between winter and spring see the most positive outcomes. Once the first seed germinates, uncover the pot and maintain moisture by regular misting and/or bottom watering. Seeds will germinate over several weeks, sometimes months. Prick out seedlings with true leaves to grow on in individual containers of the aforementioned soil mix, minus the vermiculite. Keep warm in bright light and use a fan to maintain good air circulation. Do not overwater! These plants are wont to succumb to fungal diseases in damp environments. As soon as possible, harden off the young plants and place them out in the warm sun as often as possible, even if they are not quite mature enough or the soil is not warm enough for them to be transplanted.

These plants will grow best in sharply drained rocky soil in full sun. In the Hudson Valley, a high sunny shale slope with fairly early morning sun and minimal competition works reasonably well. Given good drainage these plants will overwinter in zone 6, and possibly zone 5. Humidity and wet soils are far more detrimental to this species than cold, making it very hard to please in the Southeast.

Beautiful and incredibly fragrant lightly pubescent plants rarely grow to more than 1' in all directions, and feature violet flowers, sometimes so pale as to appear white. All aerial portions may be used fresh or dried for tea, but as in Monarda species, the flowers are especially lovely and sweet as a tea taken for pleasure. These tubular flowers are also beloved by native bees and butterflies and will typically bloom for several weeks in summer.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.