Red Bee Balm Seeds
Monarda didyma
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
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: Keep the plants watered; this plant prefers moist soil, and should not be allowed to dry out. Dry soil or overcrowding can cause mildew or other fungal diseases. It may self-seed, and often spreads by rhizomes. These flowers particularly attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Deadhead for the most blooms. For a possible second blooming, cut back the plant by one third after the first blooms have faded. After 2-3 years, the plants can be divided.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
Seed Saving: When the flower spikes begin to dry and turn brown, remove them and spread them out to dry; thresh them to remove the seed. Shaking the entire plant's seed heads into a container is also effective, but the process should be repeated daily until all the seed has matured. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Oswego Tea, Bee Balm, Bergamont, Firecracker Plant, Scarlet Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Crimson Beebalm
Latin Name: Monarda didyma
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7
US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 60,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 36 Inches
Color: Red
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Aromatic, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
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: Keep the plants watered; this plant prefers moist soil, and should not be allowed to dry out. Dry soil or overcrowding can cause mildew or other fungal diseases. It may self-seed, and often spreads by rhizomes. These flowers particularly attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Deadhead for the most blooms. For a possible second blooming, cut back the plant by one third after the first blooms have faded. After 2-3 years, the plants can be divided.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
Seed Saving: When the flower spikes begin to dry and turn brown, remove them and spread them out to dry; thresh them to remove the seed. Shaking the entire plant's seed heads into a container is also effective, but the process should be repeated daily until all the seed has matured. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Oswego Tea, Bee Balm, Bergamont, Firecracker Plant, Scarlet Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Crimson Beebalm
Latin Name: Monarda didyma
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7
US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 60,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 36 Inches
Color: Red
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Aromatic, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant