Bergamot, Lemon

Name: Lemon Bergamot
Monarda citriodora

Lemon Bergamot has a wonderful taste and lemony aroma, but it is usually grown as an ornamental or for its cut flowers. Lemon Bergamot seeds are easily started and produce knee-high plants with masses of tiered pink and purple blossoms from August until frost. Lemon bergamot can self-sow, and its seeds are easy to collect for seed saving. The flower stems are very attractive in bouquets as cut flowers, and the dry well. The dried flowers can be used in tea. All bergamots are highly attractive to honeybees and other pollinators.

Origination: Native of the Oswego, New York area

Height: 2-3 feet
Hardiness:
Flower Color: Purple
Characteristics: The lance shaped mid green leaves have a distinctive citrus or lemony scent when the leaves are rubbed or crushed. Several stems grow from a compact clump and between the leaves whorled flower heads of fragrant lavender, lilac to pink flowers arise from June to August to a height of 3 feet.
Uses: Ornament

Growing Instructions:
Sow indoors late February to mid-march, or direct sow in early spring when a light frost is still possible. Seeds can also be direct sown in October. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15-21C (60-70F). Bottom heat will speed germination. Barely cover the tiny seeds with soil. Thin or space transplants 45-60cm (18-24”) apart. Seeds should sprout in 10-40 days.