Bee Balm (Wild Bergamot Lavender)

Description
This mint family perennial (Monarda fistulosa), also known as Wild Bergamot or Lavender Bergamot, grows delicate crown-shaped pale pastel purple flowers and foliage with a scent reminiscent of the bergamot citrus.One popular contemporary use is making Bee Balm Flower-infused Honey.

These plants need some care in the seeding and transplant stage, but are well worth the attention. Once established Bee Balm is quite hardy; the plant has a rhizomatic growth habit but doesn't aggressively spread. If you plant seeds early enough in spring you will get flowers within its first year of growth. On a lark we inter-planted our Bee Balm plants with actual lavender (Lavendula sp.) thinking it would be pretty to see have the two blooming together. It worked out quite well, actually.
120 days to bloom from seed. Perennial.

Specifications
Common Name:Bee Balm / Wild Bergamot
Scientific Name:Monarda fistulosa
Description:Delicate crown-shaped pale pastel purple flowers and a scent reminiscent of bergamot citrus.
Plant Lifespan:Perennial
Cold Hardiness (F):Zone 9b (25 to 30)
Light Requirements:Full Sun (min. 6 hours a day)
Seed In:Early Spring
Seeding Depth:Surface
Days to Sprout:5-14
Optimal Soil Temperature (F):68-72
Plant Spacing:2-3 ft.
Average Days from Seed to Harvest:~100