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Monarda fistulosa
Wild Bergamont is a North American native and beloved by so many diverse pollinators. It is truly a joy to witness the buzz of activity surrounding the blossoms during its season-long blooming. The attention Bee Balm receives in the garden has indicated how critical this native plant is as food and medicine to our winged friends. Bee Balm has shown us that a helpful way to rebuild the loss of habitat, food and medicine supply is to restore meadows of this native plant wherever we can. We cannot wait until the days when mowed lawns are seen as stuffy and old-fashioned and “lawns” full of wild flowers are not seen as unusual or novel!
Edible leaves and flowers also offer food and medicine to us people as well! Aromatic, warming, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, with a spiciness akin to oregano. We love to dry down leaves and flowers for an invigorating midwinter brew. A must have to include in your Native Plant Garden and a heartfelt offering to the wild winged species around us.
Sowing and Growing Information:
Cold stratification recommended. Place seeds on moistened paper towel, fold neatly and store in labeled jar or sealable plastic baggie in freezer for four weeks.
Sow in trays 8 weeks before last frost in your area.
Germination of these seeds are light dependent (photoblastic). When sowing, gently press down the soil to create a shallow indent, sprinkle seeds and lightly cover with soil. Do not bury too deep and be sure to keep the surface of your trays moist as you await your seeds to germinate. When watering, use the mist setting on a sprayer hose to gently moisten without too much pressure. Using a spray bottle with water is also a good idea. Heavy water pressure may push the surface sown seeds out of the trays!
Transplant out after last frost.
18”-24” spacing. Transplant with a little compost and woodash to feed your growing plants through the season. Supplement as needed with compost/nitrogen tea once young plants are well established (two weeks after transplant).
Harvest:
Harvest when plants are at their height of flowering, 6 inches above the root. Make fresh herb tincture or dry and store in airtight containers. Keep in a dark, cool and dry location for invigorating tea all year long!
