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Bee Balm - Kew Pollination Collection

Monarda didyma, Bergamot

This product is produced and supplied in association with Thompson & Morgan

These packets are produced in association with Kew Gardens

Bright, nectar rich blooms attract Bees and other pollinators

Ideal for rich, moist soils

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Description Sowing More Info Delivery

Thompson & Morgan is delighted to work alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to offer special seed collections to home gardeners. This Kew Pollinators Collection has been specially selected by The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Whorls of spidery, pink blooms crown the upright stems of this eye-catching perennial. You won’t be surprised to learn that Bee Balm is a magnet for pollinating insects, which throng to the nectar rich blooms. Herb growers will be more familiar with its other common name of Bergamot, and the distinctive scent of its aromatic foliage. This sun loving Monarda forms an attractive clump at the front of borders, mingling happily with other herbaceous perennials, particularly on rich, damp soils. Height: 90cm (36"). Spread: 45cm (18").


Culinary note: Use the dried leaves to make Bergamot tea or use the sweet, spicy flavoured petals to enhance salads, jellies, rice or pasta dishes. For more details about edible flowers click here.


1 Packet (80 Seeds) (KB7558)

Direct sow Monarda seeds outdoors where they are to grow from September to November. Choose a position in full sun on well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 2mm in drills spaced 30cm (12") apart and cover seed with its own depth of soil to exclude light. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes 10-30 days. When Monarda seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12") apart.

Alternatively, sow indoors from January to March at a temperature of 20-25C (70-75F). When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors into a rich, moist, well drained soil in full sun or part shade, at a distance of 30cm (12") apart .

Feed and water regularly until they are fully established. Deadhead faded bergamot flower heads to encourage more blooms to be produced. Apply a mulch of well rotted manure around the crown of each plant in spring. Lift and divide clumps of monarda plants every 3 years in autumn to maintain vigorous, healthy growth.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.

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