Bee Balm

Name: Buy Bee Balm Seeds | Certified Organic | UK Grown
SKU: MonF
Price: 3.00 GBP
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Monarda fistulosa

Native to the prairies of North America, the aromatic leaves of bee balm have long been used by Native Americans as a spicy garnish or as a herbal tea to ward off winter colds.

As the name suggests, bee balm is very popular with bees and other pollinating insects. It is a member of the mint family and contains many of the same essential oils (and flavours) as oregano and thyme, which gives it a characteristic sharp and spicy bite.

Also known as ‘wild bergamot’ – not to be confused with the citrus fruit ‘bergamot’ that is used to make bergamot essential oil and flavour earl grey tea – Monarda fistulosa has evolved into many different varieties. We grow a lavender-coloured variety that does very well in the UK climate (or at least it does in our Somerset climate). It is easy to grow and a valuable herb to add to a herbal tea or use in the kitchen.

SKU: MonF Categories: Herbs, Bare Root Plants, Herb Seeds, Seed Packs

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Sowing and Growing

Sow indoors in early Spring into pots or trays in well draining seed compost at approx. 2mm – just enough to cover the seed. Germination occurs in 10-24 days, or faster when propagated at 20c. Seedlings can then be planted into their final growing position using organic compost in a position with full or partial sun, although we find they really thrive in full sun. Alternatively, they can be sown directly in late Spring with a 30cm spacing and will take 10–30 days to germinate. Water well until established and prepare for a beautiful and aromatic show when they start to flower at around 30cm tall from July to September.

Bee balm is a hardy perennial that will need to be divided every few years in order to keep its woody growth at bay. If you don’t divide, growth will slow down after a while. Remember to collect the seeds and share with friends or start a new bed once the seed heads go brown.

Uses and Benefits

Bee Balm is surprisingly potent. Its volatile oils carry powerful immune modulating compounds, such a thymol and carvacrol, that can be used for its antiseptic properties at the first sign of a sore throat or any infection in the mouth. It helps to encourage peripheral circulation and can be used to induce a sweat for seasonal chills. Its fragrant oils make it useful as a carminative to help digestion when added to food or as a herbal tea with it being renowned for ‘easing the passage of wind’ – best practiced in the garden.

Its ability to reduce infection make it good for cleaning any wounds on the skin when made into a poultice or as a wash.

Harvesting and Preparation

Harvest the aerial parts just as it comes into flower and tie in bunches to dry or cut into 1 inch pieces and dry in a herb drier. Harvest a good 6 inches above the ground to avoid any old or damaged leaves.

To make a tea you can either enjoy it fresh by popping a sprig in a cup of boiled water or use 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb.

It’s also a very good herb when doing steam inhalation for nasal and chest congestion with a stuffy head.

If you have a distillation ‘still’, it makes a potent essential oil.

Species Info

Soil

Loamy, Sandy

Flower Colour(s)

Purple

Best for Bees

Yes

Recommended for Beginners

Stratification Needed?

Stratification not required

Herbal Tradition

Native American

General Uses

Medicinal

Can be sown direct?

Yes

RHS Pollinators

UK Native

Height

60 – 100 cm

Herbal Uses

Digestion, Immunity, Respiration, Skin

Hardiness

H4 (hardy – average winter)

Flowering

July, August, September

Life Cycle

Perennial

Water

Moist, Well-drained

Sunlight

Full sun, Part shade

Neutral

Recommended Sowing Times

March, April, May

Herbal Teas

Less Tasty Infusions

Make Your Own

Aromatic water, Cream, Essential oil, Food, Glycerite, Herbal Honey, Steam Inhalation, Vinegar

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