Lemon Mint - Bee Balm Seeds
Lemon Mint - Bee Balm Seeds
Lemon Mint - Bee Balm Seeds
Lemon Mint - Bee Balm Seeds
Lemon Mint - Bee Balm Seeds
Lemon Mint - Bee Balm Seeds
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Lemon Mint - Bee Balm Seeds

SKU: HBB101
Open-Pollinated
$4.65
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Lemon Mint bee balm is an annual Monarda with tiered flower clusters, lavender-pink bracts, and leaves that release a bright lemony-mint scent. Native to parts of the southern and central United States, it brings quick color, fragrance, and pollinator traffic to summer beds.

The flowers are beloved by bees and butterflies, and the aromatic leaves have been used traditionally for teas. It is a fine choice for pollinator strips, herb gardens, and casual cut flower plantings where scent matters as much as color.

Scientific name: Monarda citriodora
Life cycle: Annual
Days to maturity: 110-120 days from sowing
Plant height: 30-38"

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We stand behind every packet we sell. Our seeds are carefully selected, tested for germination, untreated, and guaranteed to be true to variety.

Your seeds are covered for one year from the date of purchase. If they fail to germinate under reasonable growing conditions, arrive damaged, or do not grow true to type, contact us and we’ll make it right with a replacement, store credit, or refund.

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Hand packed in Pennsylvania by our family.

LAB TESTED

Third-party tested for reliable germination.

NON-GMO

Open-pollinated varieties for home gardens & seed saving.

UNTREATED SEED

Never coated with chemical seed treatments.

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Monarda Growing Basics

Monarda is a North American native herb known for fragrant foliage, unusual crown-like flowers, and the steady activity of bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other garden visitors. Often called bee balm, bergamot, horsemint, or lemon mint, it has long held a place in native plantings, herb gardens, cottage borders, and traditional household use.

Two commonly grown species have different rhythms. Monarda fistulosa, often called wild bergamot, is a hardy perennial with lavender-pink flowers that returns and gradually spreads where conditions suit it. Monarda citriodora, commonly called lemon mint or lemon bee balm, is usually grown as an annual or short-lived perennial and produces stacked flower clusters with a distinctly citrus-scented foliage. Both bring height, fragrance, pollinator value, and a loose prairie beauty to the garden.

Start monarda indoors about 8–10 weeks before the expected last spring frost, or sow outdoors in fall or early spring. A short period of cool, moist conditions can improve germination for many monarda seeds, especially perennial M. fistulosa.

Transplant well-rooted seedlings after severe frost has passed. Monarda fistulosa may flower lightly during its first year but usually becomes fuller and more productive in later seasons. Monarda citriodora grows more quickly and commonly flowers during its first season, making it useful where fast summer color and pollinator activity are wanted.

Sow the small seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix and press them gently into place. Cover only barely, since light supports germination. Keep the surface evenly moist without making it soggy.

Germination may take about two to four weeks and can be somewhat uneven. Provide strong light and good airflow as soon as seedlings emerge. Harden plants gradually before transplanting.

Space plants about 12–24 inches apart, depending on the species and mature size. Give perennial M. fistulosa additional room where it can form expanding clumps. M. citriodora can be planted in drifts or informal groups for a fuller first-season display.

Choose a site with full sun to light partial shade and well-drained soil. Monarda fistulosa adapts well to average garden soil and becomes fairly drought tolerant once established. Monarda citriodora also tolerates leaner ground but flowers best when young plants receive steady moisture during establishment.

Water regularly during the first season, then more deeply and less often as perennial plants develop stronger roots. Avoid keeping crowns constantly wet. Mulch lightly to protect soil moisture, but leave space around the base of the plants for airflow.

Monarda fistulosa spreads by underground stems and may form a broad colony over time. Divide crowded clumps every few years to renew growth and keep the planting open. Monarda citriodora may self-sow where mature seed is allowed to fall.

Monarda is especially valuable around vegetable beds, orchard edges, perennial borders, and pollinator gardens. Its flowers attract native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, hummingbirds, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, helping support pollination and a more diverse garden habitat.

Harvest leaves when they are young and fragrant, preferably before or during the early flowering period. Cut stems in the morning after dew has dried, taking only part of an established plant so it can continue growing.

Flowers can be gathered when freshly opened for tea blends, edible garnishes, syrups, bouquets, or drying. M. fistulosatends to have a warm, minty, bergamot-like fragrance, while M. citriodora carries a brighter lemony scent.

For drying, spread clean leaves and flowers on screens or hang small bundles in a shaded, airy place. Once completely dry, remove the leaves and flower parts from the stems and store them in a sealed container away from heat and light.

View Full Monarda Growing Guide