Native to the southern United States and northern Mexico, the self-seeding, annual Lemon Bergamot was used by the Hopi tribe as a seasoning for wild hare. The lemon-scented leaves can also be rubbed on the skin as an insect repellant and the showy, pink to white, summer-blooming flowers are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost at 70 degrees F, transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and transplant outdoors to well-drained soil in late spring or early summer. Approximately 250 seeds per packet.
Details
Genus | Monarda |
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Species | citriodora |
Exposure | Full Sun to Light Shade | Planting Method | Transplant | Planting Depth | Surface Sow |
Days to Emerge | 10 - 30 |
Plant Spacing | 12" apart |
Habit | 18 - 24" H |