Lemon Mint Monarda

This annual Monarda was a real eye-catcher in our trials. Plants are over three feet tall and attractive. In mid-summer, swirls of pink to lavender blooms begin appearing at the top of the plant and eventually cover much of the stem. This Monarda is also an excellent bee plant and makes delicious herbal teas. 

100 seeds

PLANTING

Monarda citriodora

Annual

Germination: 15-21 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-70ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and lightly cover the seed

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 60-70ºF soil temperature. Transplant after the last frost, 12" apart.

Sowing Outdoors: Starting a week or two before the last frost date. Sow a few seeds every 12" or sow seeds close together in a row and when thinning out the seedlings you can transplant them to other places in the garden. 

Growth Habit: Upright, branching 

Height and Width:  36" x 18-24"

Spacing: 8-12" apart

Light Needs: Full sun to part sun

Soil Needs: Sandy to average, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: 90-100 days

Uses: Flower beds, cut flowers, wildflower and cottage gardens, attracts pollinators 

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend soil with compost before transplanting.  Cut back stems as the blooms fade, this encourages more flower production.