Lemon Mint Monarda (Bee Balm)

While not technically a true mint, this plant is a known as lemon bee balm and purple horsemint. It attracts pollinators into the garden and produces citrus-scented edible blooms and leaves. (The leaves contain citronellol.) Blooms in late spring and early summer. Annual.

Lemon Mint – Monarda (Bee Balm) – Monarda citriodora 

Soil & Water: Prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought well too.

Planting & Growing: Start seeds indoors about 7-9 weeks before your spring frost, then transplant into the garden after hardening off seedlings. (Seeds require light to germinate.) Or direct sow on the soil surface after frost has passed.

Harvesting & Storage: Harvest when flowers have almost completely opened.

Soil Temperature: 68-72 degrees F
Planting Depth: 1/8″
Germination: 10-14 Days
Height At Maturity: 24-30″
Days To Maturity: 110-120 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Spacing After Thinning: 12-18″
Approx Seeds per Pack: 100

Product image via: Johnny’s Seeds, Urban Farmer