LEMON BEE BALM

Monarda citriodora

The most fragrant of the bee balms. Sometimes referred to as Lemon Bergamot or Lemon Horsemint. Monarda citriodora features pink, lilac or white flowers that are surrounded by dramatic white or pink bracts occurring in whorls atop 30" stems. Prefers to grow in dry soils and full sun. Native to open habitats throughout the United States and Mexico.

All parts of this plant, even the seeds, are powerfully lemon-scented. Dried flowers will scent black tea, and dried or fresh leaves and bracts may be used to make a wonderful herbal tea. Traditionally used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes and to flavor game. The essential oil or hydrolate of M. citriodora makes an excellent insect repellent. Highly recommended to gardeners with small stills.

This species is categorized as an annual, but it is a prodigious self-sower and will more often than not reappear in your garden in great numbers without any fuss. It is not invasive but will naturalize where it is happy if allowed to.

Broadcast with a very light hand onto loose, well-drained soil in early spring or start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost: press onto surface of moist soil; carefully mist; cover with plastic; kept moist at room temperature in bright light, seeds will germinate in 1-4 weeks. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual containers or cells. Transplant outdoors on or around the date of the last frost.

Beloved by bees and ignored by deer. The most useful Monarda that may be grown from seed. Highly recommended.

Packet contains at least 500 seeds.