lemon bergamot
monarda citriodora / bergamot
- approx 100 seeds
- £2.99
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering: July to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy (but often short-lived)
A short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual or biennial with beautiful spikes of scented, tubular, two-lipped white, pink and purple flowers over purplish bracts which are very attractive to pollinating insects. Easy to grow, and flowering in its first season from an early sowing, the lance-shaped, aromatic leaves of lemon bergamot are strongly lemon scented and used to flavour tea and savoury dishes in a similar fashion to lemon mint.
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, spacing plants about 30-45cm (12-18in) apart for good air circulation. Water regularly during dry spells, especially while establishing, and mulch lightly to retain soil moisture.
Deadhead faded blooms to encourage further flowering and a tidy appearance. Cut back old stems after flowering, and in colder areas, protect with a dry mulch over winter to help the roots survive frost.
Deadhead faded blooms to encourage further flowering and a tidy appearance. Cut back old stems after flowering, and in colder areas, protect with a dry mulch over winter to help the roots survive frost.
For an early flowering crop under glass from February - sow thinly onto trays or pots containing good quality seed compost and lightly cover with compost. Cover with polythene, glass or a propagator lid. Keep moist but not overly wet and keep at 68F (20°C) for 2-4 weeks. Remove covers once seedlings appear and transplant when easy to handle into small pots. Harden off in a cool environment and plant out at 30cm intervals once all risk of frost has passed.
For direct, outdoor sowings from April onwards - sow thinly in rows 30cm (12in) apart in a well-prepared seed bed. Cover lightly and keep moist, transplanting or thinning to 30cm (12in) when easy to handle.
For direct, outdoor sowings from April onwards - sow thinly in rows 30cm (12in) apart in a well-prepared seed bed. Cover lightly and keep moist, transplanting or thinning to 30cm (12in) when easy to handle.
