How to grow Bee Balm

Monarda

Propagation can occur by hardwood and softwood cuttings, root cuttings, layering, and division. Division of the root ball is the most popular method, and occurs most frequently due to spread. The plant should be divided every 3 to 5 years to reduce spread and keep the central core of the plant healthy. This will also help prevent root rot and provide improves air circulation about the foliage to impede powdery mildew.1

Growing Bee balm from seed

Seed should be stratified at least briefly before sowing. Seed may direct-sown or started by wintersowing, in coldframes or greenhouses at soil temperatures approaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit.1

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 21°C / 70°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Bee balm

Monarda prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Plants in partial shade or filtered sun show fast horizontal spread and may flower less. It is considered aggressive in the South-eastern United States, Monarda can grow in a wide variety of soil conditions.1

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Bee balm is a very hardy plant.

How long does Bee balm take to grow?

These estimates for how long Bee balm takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Bee balm to germinate?
15 days

Average 15 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Bee balm?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until Bee balm is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Bee balm?
= days

Bee balm Etymology

The genus was named for Nicolas Monardes who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants found in the New World.

Other names for Bee balm

Bergamot, Bee balm

Monarda L., Monarda x, Monarda hybrid

Misspellings: bee-balm, bee balm

Footnotes


< Previous Plant Guide

Shoregrass

Next Plant Guide >

Eastern Beebalm