Towers of bright lavender 1 1/2-2" blooms on straight and thin, yet sturdy stems. An unusual and easy-to-use cut flower. The blooms and leaves are edible, though the leaves are intensely spicy. Native to the US. Also known as lemon bee balm, purple horsemint, and lemon mint. • Edible Flowers: Add petals to salads, sprinkle over mild fish, use in fruit salads, or to garnish desserts and drinks. Flavor is minty and spicy. Leaves are used to flavor salads, cooked foods, and tea. • Attracts Beneficial Insects: Nectar plant for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF BEE BALM Bee balm is antimicrobial and soothing, so it’s often used to treat colds and flu. It also has a soothing effect on the digestive tract and helps to treat indigestion, bloating and nausea. It’s more than just soothing on the digestive system and its antispasmodic properties also help it treat menstrual cramps as well as coughs. Externally, it’s used to treat scrapes, stings and rashes. Bee balm is also nervine, that has a gentle calming effect on the nervous system, similar to lemon balm. It’s used to treat anxiety and stress, especially in sensitive patients like children. BEE BALM TEA The individual petals of bee balm flowers pull out easily and can be dried to make a beautiful bright red tea. In season, the petals can also be used fresh. Bee balm tea is a digestive aid that helps relieve nausea, upset stomach and gas. Like most herbal teas, it takes a bit longer to steep than a standard black tea, around 15 minutes. Try 1 tablespoon of dried flower petals or 2 tablespoons of fresh petals to every cup of water. The water should be just below the boiling point because herbal flowers are a bit more delicate than teas made with roots or stems. GROWING INFORMATION DAYS TO GERMINATION: 10-14 days at 68-72F (20-22C). SOWING: Transplant (recommended): Sow 7-9 weeks before last frost. Transplant into cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside after last frost. Direct seed: After last frost, sow seed thinly, barely covering the seed. Thin when the seedlings have the first true leaves. LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun/Part Shade. SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Any well-drained soil. PLANT SPACING: 12-18". HARDINESS ZONES: Varies. M. citriodora: Annual. M. didyma: Perennial in Zones 4-9. HARVEST: Fresh: Harvest when flowers are almost completely open. Dried: Allow flowers to open completely. Hang to dry. USES: Suitable as a fresh cut flower. Excellent dried flower. Border plantings. Edible flower SCIENTIFIC NAME: Monarda spp. ALTERNATE NAMES: Bee balm