Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) is a popular wildflower that is native to North America. A beautiful ornamental throughout summer, Wild Bergamot is also great for making honey and is a a regular herb in the traditional medicinal cabinet. The flowers range from pink to lavender.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical regions.
Monarda fistulosa is also commonly known as Bee Balm due to its strong ability to attract bees and for its significance in the commercial honey industry.
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Growth
Monarda fistulosa is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a maximum height of around 1.2m (4 feet) and no wider than 1m (3 feet). Wild Bergamot grows freely across many soil and climatic conditions across North America and has become naturalised in many other parts of the world.
They prefer a location with full sun, but can tolerate some shade and poor soils. Once established, Bergamot doesn’t require much watering and is relatively drought tolerant. The aromatic leaves have a minty lemon flavour while the summer flower can produce a range of colours from pink to lavender.
For more information about growing Wild Bergamot click here.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2m (4 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1m (3 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees and Hummingbirds
MATURITY:
10-12 months
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-21 days at temperatures between 15-25°C / 59-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT MONARDA FISTULOSA (Wild Bergamot)
Some Native American tribes called Wild Bergamot ‘Number 6’, for they believed it was the sixth medicine given by the creator. In modern times, it is still used to treat common colds and is often made into a herbal tea and sweetened with honey.
Wild Bergamot is also a prominent Essential Oil and is used to assist with digestion, dental issues, flatulence, skincare, relaxation, respiratory issues, coughs and congestion.
