Lemon Mint - Monarda Citriodora

Approximate seeds per pound: 839,000
Seeding rate: Plant this wildflower seed at 3 pounds per acre
Height: Up to 3 ft.
Flower Color: Light Lavender to pink
Plant Type: Annual. Lives just one year. Grows quickly, blooms heavily, dies with first frost. Can regrow following spring if seed falls on bare ground.
Flower Type: Lipped flowers in leaf axils
Bloom Time: Mid and late season
Is this wildflower invasive? No
Is this wildflower endangered? No
Is this wildflower edible? Yes
Is this wildflower medicinal? Yes
Regions: Native to plains regions, but can be grown in all regions.
Zones: 3 - 10
Soil preference: Prefers alkaline soils, but is adaptable.
Sun/Shade: Full sun to light shade.
Moisture Requirements: Average moisture, well-drained.
Germination: 10 - 30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 60F - 70F
Sowing depth: Sow this wildflower seed at 1/16"

Lemon mint is also referred to as lemon beebalm; however, as the name suggests, it is a member of the mint family. Members of the mint family have a citrus smell when crushed, reminiscent of - yes, you guessed it - lemons. Lavendar-to-white blossoms attract butterflies and moths. Lemon mint blooms from spring into summer. Often late in the season the odor is described as resembling oregano more than lemon in certain locations.

Lemon mint grows in prairies, roadsides and other sunny habitats from wildflower seed. It grows from California to Florida, but is a native of the Midwest. It prefers soils with a high percentage of clay, but is adaptable to varying soil types as long as they are drier soils and not saturated. Lemon mint grows best in full sun to partial shade. Like many wildflowers, it can regrow from the wildflower seed it drops it late fall. This wildflower seed will be dormant until temperatures rise the following spring and proper moisture levels are obtained to ensure germination.