Bee Balm 'Lemon Bergamot'

Lemon Bergamot has a wonderful taste and lemony aroma, but it is usually grown as an ornamental or as a cut flower. 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. The flower stems are very attractive in bouquets as cut flowers, and they dry well. The dried flowers can be used in tea. All bergamots are highly attractive to honeybees and other pollinators.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

SITE: Sun - Part Shade

TYPE: Annual

DEPTH: 1/8" A sprinkle of vermiculite over seed trays will increase humidity for good germination.

GERMINATION: 14 - 21 days at 16 - 21°C

HEIGHT: 24 - 36”

MATURITY: 100-115 Days

SPACING: 18-24”

PINCH: Not Necessary


Growing:
Direct sow seeds in early spring, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for an earlier start. Sow seeds 1/8" deep. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged to promote germination. Thin seedlings to 18-24" apart when they are 2-3" tall. Bergamot prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer before planting and again after thinning. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.