Pure Seed Non-GMO Fresh ! Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda Didyma) - Monarda Didyma is a perennial herb known as Bergamot, Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea and Crimson Beebalm. It is very showy and will have everyone turning their heads. Scarlet Beebalm makes a great cut flower as well! The Monarda flowers are edible and the mint-scented leaves are used in teas or in potpourri. These flower seeds may be sown from early spring up until 8 weeks before the last frost in the fall. Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda Didyma) - Scarlet Bee Balm is popular in flower gardens because it is easy to establish from Monarda Didyma seeds and nothing brings in the butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees like Monarda flowers. Monarda Didyma is a perennial herb known as Bergamot, Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea and Crimson Beebalm. Scarlet Bee Balm is very showy and will have everyone turning their heads. It makes a great cut flower as well! The Monarda flowers are edible and the mint-scented leaves are used in teas or in potpourri. These flower seeds may be sown from early spring up until 8 weeks before the last frost in the fall. Monarda didyma L. Scarlet Beebalm, Oswego Tea, Red Bergamot Plant Characteristics Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Fruit Type: Nut Size Notes: Normally 2 to 4 feet tall, but can get to 6 feet. Flower: Flowers in 2 to 4 inch clusters. Fruit: Nutlets, brown. Bloom Information Bloom Color: Red Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct Bloom Notes: Will bloom from midsummer to fall in its natural montane and Northeastern habitat. In the Southeast, blooms from late spring to early summer. Growing Conditions Water Use: Medium Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet Soil pH: Acidic (pH 6.8) Cold Tolerant: yes Soil Description: Rich, moist, acid soils. Juglone tolerant. Benefit Use Ornamental: Valued for its bright flowers and minty aroma Use Wildlife: Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are attracted to the blossoms of Oswego tea. Use Food: Occasionally used in Earl Grey tea. Use Medicinal: It's medicinal uses include expelling worms, and for treating gas, fever and stomach ailments. (Lamb/Rhynard) The name Oswego Tea"" comes from the fact that the leaves were used for a tea by the Oswego Indians of New York. Early settlers also used the plant for this purpose when regular tea was scarce. (Niering) The name Beebalm comes from the folk use of crushed leaves to soothe bee stings. Conspicuous Flowers: yes Fragrant Foliage: yes Attracts: Butterflies , Hummingbirds Nectar Source: yes Deer Resistant: Moderate Value to Beneficial Insects Special Value to Native Bees Special Value to Bumble Bees This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Propagation Propagation Material: Root Division , Seeds , Softwood Cuttings Description: Propagate by "softwood" cuttings taken in late spring; increase by division of mature clumps in the spring before the plants send up stems; or sow seed. Also propagated by root division. Seed Collection: Seeds mature 1-3 weeks after flowering. Bend the stem over and tap the fruiting heads. If brown seeds fall out readily, they are mature. Air-dry, clean and store in sealed, refrigerated containers. Maintenance: Can colonize by rhizomes. If want to keep in bounds, divide every 3 years. PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS: BEE BALM Sowing: Direct sow in early spring, pressing lightly into the surface of the soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which should occur within 10-20 days at temperatures from 60-70 degrees F. When the seedlings can safely be handled, thin or transplant for wider spacing. For an early start, start the seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors. Growing: Water young plants as they develop; mature plants also prefer moist soil. Too much moisture or overcrowding can cause mildew or other fungal diseases. This plant may self-seed, and often spreads by rhizomes. These blossoms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies and tend to resist deer. Deadhead for the most blooms. After 2-3 years, the plants can be divided. How to Plant Bee Balm ABOUT BEE BALM Famous for its beauty and its fragrance, Bee Balm, also known as Wild Bergamot, is an old flower garden favorite. And did you know that Bee Balm is one of the best attractors of beneficial butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees? All in all, Bee Balm is a "must" for any garden. WHEN TO PLANT BEE BALM SEEDS Plant your Bee Balm seeds in the spring or early fall. If planting for spring, start seeds indoors in later winter. WHERE TO PLANT BEE BALM SEEDS Bee Balm performs best in full sun or partial shade in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil. Bee Balm isn't picky when it comes to soil type- it will tolerate poor soils and, it is heat and drought tolerant. HOW TO PLANT BEE BALM SEEDS Sow seeds in small pots. Apply a starter fertilizer solution and water. After the initial watering, only water when soil surface is dry to the touch. Pinch off the tops of the plants several times during the growing season to encourage branching and a bushier growth habit. When the roots fill the container, about 2 months after sowing, they are ready to be transplanted into your garden. Direct sow or transplant seedlings into a sunny, weed-free soil. Space plants 20-30" apart. Irrigate regularly to keep herb seeds moist until germination. HOW TO CARE FOR BEE BALM To prevent powdery mildew, be sure to thin out large clumps to improve air circulation around your plants. Deadhead your Bee Balm plants to prolong bloom time.. SEED STORING Store your seeds in a cool, dry and dark location. Most seeds have a long shelf life at least two years, but heat and moisture will cut that life short. Dedicate a drawer or cabinet to storing your seeds where you can also house your gardening journal close at hand for dreaming, planning and preparing. Buy Seeds Online Organic Seeds Heirloom Seeds Non-GMO Seeds Vegetable Seeds Flower Seeds Herb Seeds Fruit Seeds Garden Seeds Seed Starter Kits Rare Seeds Bulk Seeds Indoor Gardening Seeds Seed Catalog Seed Packs for Sale Sustainable Seeds Greenhouse Seeds Seed Suppliers Planting Seeds Home Garden Seeds