Lemon Bergamot – 20 Seeds

Lemon Bergamot (Monarda citriodora) is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Common names include Lemon mint, Purple horsemint, Lemon bee balm, Purple lemon mint and Lemon horsemint.

Monarda citriodora is known for its attractive purple-colored flowers and the distinctive scent its leaves produce when rubbed or crushed. The smell is reminiscent of lemons, which is why the plant is commonly known as lemon mint.

It is a short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual or biennial.

Lemon Bergamot  Culinary Uses

• Add flower petals and chopped leaves to salads, fruit cups and fruit drinks.
• Add to pork and game dishes.
• Use the leaves to make a tea.

Lemon Bergamot  Other Uses

• Insect repellent. The essential oil of lemon mint contains citronellol, which makes it useful as an insect repellent.

Lemon Bergamot  Medicinal Benefits

• Teas made from the leaves can treat colds, coughs, fevers, and respiratory problems.

Growing Lemon Bergamot 

Indoor Sowing: Autumn

Direct Sowing: Autumn.

• The seeds can be sown in autumn.
• Make sure to not sow them deeper than one inch.
• Seedlings typically start to appear in 3 weeks, but you should wait for another three weeks before transplanting them.
• The plant prefers full sun, but grows in partial shade as well.
• It prefers soils containing a high percentage of clay, but it can easily tolerate other soil types too.
• The soil needs to be well draining.
• The plant grows best when its soil is kept continuously moist. Water it regularly and do not let the soil completely dry out as dry soil makes the plant vulnerable to foliar diseases.