Flowers , Monarda - Bee Balm (Perennial Ragged Pompoms) Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa, Perennial Ragged Pompoms - Wild Bergamot Herb, Fragrant pink or lavender flowers, like ragged pompoms (very attractive to bees & hummingbirds) bloom atop 2 to 3 ft, open-branched stems & are good as cut flowers, can be dried, & make a nice edible garnish. The name 'bergamot' is from the similarity of its scent with Citrus bergamia, the bergamot orange, grown in S.Italy. Oil from the leaves has been used by Native American Indians for centuries to treat respiratory ailments & it makes a soothing Tea. Flowers Jul – Sept, likes "disturbed" areas, like old fields, thickets & clearings, Seed Count Approx - 300+ avg 

  SOWING - Hardy perennial. Barely cover seeds to germinate in 10-14 days at room temperature. Once seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to 8cm pots.  Harden off and acclimatise and plant out in Late Spring / Early Summer with 30cm spacing. Can be sown directly in late spring 3-4mm deep into good compost Insitu. It is not that picky about soil. It can also reproduce from dividing clumps.