Monarda Didyma - Scarlet Beebalm
Flower Specifications
Season: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4 - 9
Height: 36 inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Bloom Color: Red
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.3
Deer Resistant: Yes
Planting Directions
Temperature: 68F
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Seeds must be covered thinly, no more than the thickness of the seed
Sowing Rate: 4 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep seed moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 30 inches
Care & Maintenance: 
Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda Didyma) - Scarlet Bee Balm is popular in flower gardens because it is easy to establish from Monarda Didyma seeds and nothing brings in the butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees like Monarda flowers. Monarda Didyma is a perennial herb known as Bergamot, Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea and Crimson Beebalm.
Culinary herb
Bee Balm can be dried and used as a spice, its flavor being similar to that of oregano. Fresh leaves can also be used, petals are often used as an aromatic garnish.
Bee Balm seed | red
How to grow
How To Grow Monarda Didyma From Seed: Directly sow Monarda seeds outdoors in the spring when temperatures begin to warm. Lightly cover the flower seeds and keep them moist until germination. Until plants reach 10 - 12 inches tall, irrigate if rains are poor. Cooler soil temperature at night aids germination.
Monarda can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is exacerbated by humidity and any kind of plant stress (even drought). To reduce the tendency for disease, keep the soil moist, minimizing overhead watering, and space plants far enough apart to allow for good air circulation between plants. Also, remove diseased foliage to prevent the spread of the mildew and divide the plant every three years or so, discarding the old center growth and replanting new side shoots.
- Sowing Rate: 4 seeds per plant
- Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
- Keep moist until germination
- Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
- Depth: Cover thinly, no more than the thickness of the seed
Flower Specifications
Scarlet Bee Balm is very showy and will have everyone turning their heads. It makes a great cut flower as well! The Monarda flowers are edible and the mint-scented leaves are used in teas or in potpourri. These flower seeds may be sown from early spring up until 8 weeks before the last frost in the fall.
- Height: 36 inches
- USDA Zones: 4 - 9
- Season: Perennial
- Deer Resistant: Yes