Bergamot is an eastern North American native perennial that is found in floodplains, along shorelines and in open woodlands and moist to mesic prairies. Preferred by hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, plants do best in rich soils with full to partial sun, dry to moderate conditions and sandy, clay or loam soils. Leaves have a pungent mint scent and flavor and make a great tea. Powdery mildew can be a problem in the garden

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.

NAME: Bergamot
OTHER NAMES: wild bergamot or bee balm
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Monarda fistulosa
COLOR: Green w/ Purple Flowers
PLANT SEEDS: Outdoors after frost / Indoors weeks before last frost
BLOOM TIME: Summer
HARDINESS ZONE: 3 - 9
PLANT HEIGHT: 36-48"
PLANT SPACING: 15 - 18"
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Sun - Part Shade
SOIL & WATER PREFERENCES: Average