Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
The citrus-scented wild mint that calls the pollinators home. Monarda citriodora, known as Lemon Bee Balm or Lemon Mint, is a native North American herb that bursts with stacked whorls of lavender-pink blossoms rising above aromatic foliage. When brushed or crushed, the leaves release a bright, lemony fragrance with notes of mint and thyme—a scent both refreshing to the gardener and irresistible to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Plants grow 18–30 inches tall, forming upright clumps that bring color and fragrance to borders, pollinator gardens, and herb beds. The blooms appear in layered crowns from early to midsummer, each cluster like a tiered crown of petals dancing in the sun. The flavor, mild and citrusy, lends itself to teas, garnishes, and homemade herbal elixirs.
Native to the southern and central United States, Lemon Bee Balm thrives in dry, well-drained soils and full sun, reflecting the hardy spirit of the prairies it calls home. Long valued by Indigenous peoples for both culinary and medicinal uses, it remains a symbol of the living bond between beauty, utility, and the wild sweetness of the land.
Timing:
Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost date. Lemon Bee Balm grows quickly and benefits from early indoor sowing to ensure vigorous transplants for the summer bloom season.
Depth:
Surface-sow or press seeds lightly into soil—do not cover, as light is required for germination.
Temperature (germination):
Maintain medium at 68–75°F (20–24°C) using a gentle heat mat for consistent warmth.
Germination Time:
Seeds sprout in 10–20 days under steady warmth and moisture.
Moisture & Air:
Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated. Cover trays with a humidity dome and vent daily to prevent fungal growth.
Light (post-sprout):
Provide 14–16 hours/day of bright light (LED or fluorescent). Keep lights 2–4" (5–10 cm) above seedlings to prevent stretching.
Air Temperature (post-sprout):
Days: 65–75°F (18–24°C); Nights: 60–65°F (16–18°C). Avoid cold drafts.
Potting Up:
Once seedlings develop 2–3 sets of true leaves, transplant into 3–4" (8–10 cm) pots. Handle gently, as stems are delicate.
Feeding:
Feed weekly with ¼-strength organic fertilizer after true leaves expand. Avoid overfertilization—it reduces aromatic oil concentration.
Airflow/Conditioning:
Provide gentle air movement or brush seedlings lightly to strengthen stems and improve resilience.
Soil Temperature & Transplant Timing
Transplant outdoors when soil temperatures reach ≥60°F (16°C) and all frost danger has passed. Ideal root-zone temperature for vigorous establishment: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
Tip:
Lemon Bee Balm is heat-tolerant once established but prefers mild spring soil for early rooting.
Transplanting Outdoors
Hardening Off:
Over 5–7 days, move plants gradually from shade to full sun. Protect from wind during the transition.
Site:
Full sun; well-drained, moderately fertile soil (pH 6.0–7.5). Lemon Bee Balm thrives in dry, open areas and is ideal for pollinator gardens, meadows, or raised beds.
Bed Prep:
Loosen soil 6–8" (15–20 cm) deep and incorporate 1–2" (2.5–5 cm) compost. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes leafiness over bloom.
Spacing:
Space plants 12–18" (30–45 cm) apart in rows 18–24" (45–60 cm) apart to allow airflow and prevent mildew.
Mulch:
Apply a thin layer of straw or leaf mulch after soil warms to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Watering:
Provide 1" (25 mm) of water per week, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause root stress.
Support:
Usually not required, but tall plants in rich soil may benefit from light staking.
Season Extension:
In cooler zones, row covers or cold frames can speed spring growth. Plants readily self-seed for next year’s garden if seed heads are left to mature.
Troubleshooting
Slow germination: Increase warmth or mist regularly; seeds need light and consistent humidity.
Leggy seedlings: Provide stronger light or move closer to lamps.
Mildew on leaves: Increase airflow; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Few blooms: Too much nitrogen—use lean soil or compost only once.
Weak fragrance: Avoid overwatering and provide full sunlight for oil development.
For Fresh Use:
Harvest Lemon Bee Balm leaves and blossoms early in the morning after the dew has dried, just before the flower clusters reach full bloom. Use clean shears to snip the top third of stems, selecting young, fragrant growth for the best citrus-mint flavor. Frequent cutting encourages branching and prolonged bloom.
For Drying:
Bundle 5–7 stems together and hang upside down in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 7–10 days. Once dry and crisp, remove leaves and blossoms from stems and store them in airtight jars. Avoid direct sunlight during drying to preserve color and volatile oils.
Tip: Harvest throughout summer — each cut stimulates fresh flowering and maintains the plant’s bright, lemony aroma.
Aesthetic & Functional Uses
Culinary Use:
Fresh or dried Lemon Bee Balm leaves add a zesty twist to teas, salads, jellies, and desserts. The blossoms are edible and make a lovely garnish for summer drinks and cakes. Its flavor resembles bergamot with a hint of mint.
Aromatic Crafts:
Dried flower heads and leaves are excellent in potpourri and sachets, providing a cheerful citrus scent. Combine with lavender, lemon balm, or chamomile for a bright herbal blend.
Companion Planting:
An outstanding pollinator plant, Lemon Bee Balm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also helps deter pests like aphids and whiteflies, benefiting nearby vegetables and herbs.
Tip: Plant along the garden’s sunny edge — its vivid purple tiers draw pollinators while releasing a light, refreshing fragrance in the breeze.
Handling & Storage
Fresh Sprigs:
Keep stems in a glass of water like a bouquet, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in a perforated bag. Use within 5 days for optimal flavor and aroma.
Dried Leaves & Blossoms:
Store in airtight jars or paper pouches in a cool, dry, and dark location. Properly dried Lemon Bee Balm retains its fragrance for up to one year.
Tip: Keep blossoms intact until use — whole flower heads hold their aroma longer than crushed leaves.
Growth & Maintenance
Sunlight: Full sun for at least 6–8 hours daily.
Watering: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil begins to dry. Once established, Lemon Bee Balm tolerates drought well.
Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil with pH 6.0–7.5.
Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering. Cut plants back by one-third after the first flush of blooms.
Overwintering: Annual in most climates, though it may reseed freely where winters are mild.
Tip: To extend flowering, remove faded blooms promptly and lightly trim stems to promote new shoots.
Ecological & Soil Benefits
Pollinator Support: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout summer.
Low Input Herb: Requires little maintenance once established and thrives without fertilization.
Soil Health: Improves biodiversity by supporting pollinators and adding organic matter through leaf drop.
Tip: Combine with echinacea, yarrow, and black-eyed Susan for a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly meadow display.
Presentation & Display Tips
Fresh Herb Sales: Display fresh stems upright in water-filled jars, grouped in small bunches of 10–12. Lightly mist to maintain vibrancy.
Dried Herb Displays: Present dried blossoms in clear jars or kraft packets labeled “Lemon Bee Balm — Citrus-Mint Scented Herb for Teas & Crafts.”
Market Labeling: Highlight its dual purpose: “Attracts Pollinators — Perfect for Herbal Teas & Aromatic Crafts.”
Tip: Use visual appeal — display both fresh and dried bundles together to showcase its tiered lavender blooms and fragrant versatility.
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Common Pests & Problems — Lemon Bee Balm (Monarda citriodora var. menthifolia)
Insects & Mites
Aphids (clusters on stems or buds, sticky residue, distorted growth)
Controls: Aphids may gather on young shoots and flower clusters. Dislodge with a firm stream of water or apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days. Attract beneficial insects such as lady beetles and lacewings. Avoid overfertilizing, which promotes tender growth attractive to aphids.
Spider Mites (fine webbing, yellow speckling, leaf bronzing)
Controls: Common in hot, dry weather. Mist plants, keep soil evenly moist, and rinse foliage regularly to deter mites. Apply neem or horticultural oil when early webbing appears. Maintain good airflow and moderate humidity.
Thrips (silvered leaf surfaces, distorted buds, black specks on leaves)
Controls: Use blue sticky traps to monitor. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until controlled. Keep soil slightly moist and avoid drought stress, which attracts thrips.
Leafhoppers (white stippling, curling or browning leaf edges)
Controls: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove weeds and maintain consistent watering. Healthy, well-spaced plants are more resistant.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew (white, powdery coating on leaves)
Controls: The most common disease of Lemon Bee Balm. Improve air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and water at soil level early in the day. Apply neem oil, sulfur, or potassium bicarbonate sprays at first signs of infection.
Root Rot (wilting, dark or mushy roots, yellowing leaves)
Controls: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Grow in sandy loam with good drainage. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and avoid letting pots sit in standing water.
Leaf Spot (Cercospora spp.) (dark circular or irregular blotches on leaves)
Controls: Remove affected foliage promptly and avoid overhead watering. Apply copper or neem-based fungicides if the problem persists.
Damping-Off (seedlings collapsing at the soil line)
Controls: Use sterile seed-starting mix and avoid overwatering young plants. Provide airflow and do not overcrowd seed trays.
Physiological & Environmental Issues
Yellowing Leaves
Cause: Waterlogging or nutrient deficiency.
Remedy: Ensure well-draining soil, reduce watering, and feed lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer (3-3-3).
Weak or Leggy Growth
Cause: Insufficient sunlight or excessive nitrogen.
Remedy: Provide full sun and avoid rich soils. Pinch stems to promote bushier growth.
Reduced Fragrance or Oil Production
Cause: Excessive watering or overly rich soil.
Remedy: Grow in lean, well-drained soil and allow moderate drying between waterings.
Heat Stress or Leaf Curling
Cause: Extended drought or intense midday sun in hot regions.
Remedy: Provide light afternoon shade and water deeply once or twice a week.
Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist
Inspect plants weekly for aphids, mites, and mildew.
Water moderately; Lemon Bee Balm tolerates dryness better than soggy soil.
Space plants 12–15 inches apart for air circulation.
Avoid overfertilization; this herb prefers lean soil.
Remove spent flowers and foliage to prevent fungal buildup.
Water early in the day and avoid wetting leaves.
Promote beneficial insects with companion plants like dill, fennel, and calendula.
Lemon Bee Balm is naturally resilient and drought-tolerant once established. With full sun, airflow, and moderate watering, it resists most pests and diseases while maintaining strong growth and brilliant blooms that attract countless pollinators.
Q: What is Lemon Bee Balm?
Lemon Bee Balm (Monarda citriodora var. menthifolia), also known as Lemon Mint or Horsemint, is a fragrant annual herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to North America. It’s celebrated for its tiered whorls of pink to lavender flowers and bright citrus-mint fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: How long does Lemon Bee Balm take to germinate?
Seeds germinate in 7–14 Days at 65–75°F (18–24°C). Sow seeds on the soil surface, as they need light to germinate, and keep soil evenly moist until seedlings appear.
Q: What type of soil does Lemon Bee Balm prefer?
It grows best in sandy loam that drains well. Though tolerant of poor soils, it performs best in light, moderately fertile ground. Ideal pH range: 6.0–7.5.
Q: How much sunlight does Lemon Bee Balm need?
Lemon Bee Balm prefers full sun, though it tolerates light partial shade in hot, dry regions.
Q: Is Lemon Bee Balm an annual or perennial?
It is an annual in most climates, though it may reseed itself readily where winters are mild.
Q: How tall does Lemon Bee Balm grow?
Plants grow 18–30 inches tall with upright stems and layered flower clusters that give a tiered, ornamental appearance.
Q: How often should I water Lemon Bee Balm?
Water moderately. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
Q: Can Lemon Bee Balm be grown in containers?
Yes. It thrives in medium to large pots with well-draining soil. Regular deadheading encourages continual blooms.
Q: When does Lemon Bee Balm bloom?
It blooms from early to late summer, depending on climate and moisture, often continuing into early autumn.
Q: Does Lemon Bee Balm attract pollinators?
Yes, abundantly. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, making it a superb pollinator plant.
Q: How can I propagate Lemon Bee Balm?
It is easily propagated by seed, which can be direct-sown after the last frost or started indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting.
Q: Are there any pests or diseases to watch for?
Occasional powdery mildew may occur in humid conditions. Provide good spacing and airflow to prevent fungal issues.
Q: Is Lemon Bee Balm frost hardy?
No, it is not frost hardy. It completes its life cycle within one growing season and reseeds naturally in warm regions.
Q: Can I use Lemon Bee Balm as a cut or dried herb?
Yes. Both its leaves and flowers are edible and fragrant. Use fresh in teas or dry them in a shaded, airy space for herbal blends and potpourri.
Q: How long does Lemon Bee Balm live?
As an annual, it lives for one growing season, but readily self-sows, ensuring a recurring presence in the garden.
History & Culture — Lemon Bee Balm (Monarda citriodora var. menthifolia)
Origins and Etymology
Lemon Bee Balm (Monarda citriodora var. menthifolia), sometimes called Lemon Mint or Horsemint, is a native wildflower of North America, ranging from the Great Plains through the southern United States into Mexico. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), a kinship revealed in its square stems, aromatic leaves, and whorled clusters of blossoms. The genus Monarda honors the 16th-century Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes, who studied the medicinal plants of the New World. The species name citriodora means “lemon-scented,” describing its bright, citrusy fragrance that drifts easily on summer air.
Cultural Significance and Lore
Among the Indigenous peoples of the central and southern plains — including the Choctaw, Kiowa, and Comanche — Monarda species were valued for their fragrance, flavor, and medicine. The leaves were brewed into teas to treat colds, stomachaches, and fevers, while poultices soothed insect bites and wounds. Its invigorating aroma was believed to purify the air and spirit, bringing clarity and calm.
The plant also carried symbolic weight: its whorled blooms, rising in tiers of lavender and pink, were seen as emblems of balance between earth and sky. During summer ceremonies and seasonal feasts, bee balm was often included in fragrant blends burned to honor the changing light and the return of pollinators.
Historic Uses and Associations
Early European settlers quickly adopted Lemon Bee Balm as both an ornamental and medicinal herb. Its fragrant leaves, when steeped, yielded a refreshing tea similar to Earl Grey and became a favored substitute during times when imported black tea was scarce. Healers of the frontier praised it as a natural antiseptic, using it for respiratory infections and to aid digestion.
Because of its attraction to bees and butterflies, Lemon Bee Balm also gained symbolic association with harmony and mutual nourishment — a reminder that life’s sweetness depends on the dance between giver and receiver.
Cultural Presence and Continuity
Over time, Monarda citriodora has remained a staple of native wildflower meadows and pollinator gardens. Its vibrant blooms feed bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, continuing the same cycles of reciprocity honored by traditional peoples. In modern herbalism, its dried leaves are prized for teas and sachets, and its oil remains valued for its soothing and cleansing properties.
Modern Symbolism
Today, Lemon Bee Balm stands as a symbol of renewal, vitality, and gentle communion with nature. Its fragrance brightens the spirit and its blossoms draw the winged life that sustains our world. In every sense, it is an herb of connection — between people and pollinators, tradition and present, fragrance and memory — still carrying the sunlit grace of the wild prairies where it first bloomed.
Seed Saving — Lemon Bee Balm (Monarda citriodora var. menthifolia)
1. Selecting Plants for Seed Saving
Select vigorous, well-branched plants with abundant tiers of purple-lavender blooms and a strong lemon-mint fragrance. Prioritize plants showing healthy foliage, drought tolerance, and upright form. Avoid saving seed from plants with poor vigor, sparse flowers, or signs of mildew or pest stress.
Tip: Allow several of your best-performing plants to flower fully and dry naturally for the best seed yield.
2. Flowering and Maturation
Lemon Bee Balm produces stacked whorls of lavender flowers from early to mid-summer. After flowering, the blossoms dry into papery brown seed heads, each holding dozens of small, dark seeds.
Timing: Seeds mature approximately 90–110 days from sowing.
Tip: Harvest once the seed heads are dry and the bracts fade from purple to tan, but before they shatter in the wind.
3. Pollination and Isolation
Lemon Bee Balm is insect-pollinated, primarily by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It can cross with other Monarda citriodora varieties, though not with unrelated species.
To maintain varietal purity:
Isolate Monarda citriodora var. menthifolia by at least 800 feet from other Monarda species.
In small gardens, bag selected flower heads before blooming or use staggered planting times.
Tip: Tag your seed-saving plants early in the season for easy identification at harvest.
4. Harvesting Seeds
When the flower heads have turned dry and brittle, cut entire stalks and place them upside down in paper bags. Hang in a shaded, airy location for 7–10 days to finish curing. Once dry, gently crush or shake the heads over a fine screen to release the small seeds.
Tip: Handle carefully—Monarda seeds are very small and can scatter easily.
5. Cleaning Seeds
After threshing, separate seeds from chaff by:
Winnowing: Blow gently across the mixture to remove lighter plant debris.
Sieving: Use a fine mesh to remove bracts and dust.
Tip: Work slowly indoors or in a sheltered space—Monarda seeds are lightweight and easily lost.
6. Drying Seeds
Spread cleaned seeds thinly on paper or mesh trays in a shaded, ventilated spot for 5–7 days.
Temperature: Keep below 95°F (35°C) to prevent loss of viability.
Tip: In humid climates, use a fan on low speed or a food dehydrator set to 85°F (29°C).
7. Storing Seeds
Store fully dried seeds in airtight jars or tins with a desiccant (silica gel or dry rice). Keep at 35–45°F (1–7°C) in a dark, dry location.
Viability: Typically 3–4 years under proper storage.
Tip: Label containers with species, variety, and harvest date—Lemon Bee Balm adapts well to regional climates, making locally saved seed increasingly resilient.
8. Testing Seed Viability
Place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel, seal in a plastic bag, and keep at 70–75°F (21–24°C). Check after 10–14 days.
Results:
8–10 sprouted = Excellent
6–7 = Acceptable
Fewer than 6 = Replace with new seed stock
Tip: Seeds require light to germinate—do not bury deeply during testing or sowing.
9. Preventing Cross-Pollination
If growing multiple Monarda types, isolate physically or temporally to prevent hybridization. Bees can travel long distances, so spatial separation or bagging is key.
Tip: For purer strains, reselect each generation for fragrance and flower color to maintain desired traits.
10. Record Keeping and Documentation
Keep detailed notes on:
Parent plant vigor and bloom color
Isolation distance or method
Drying and storage conditions
Germination test outcomes
Tip: Select seed lines showing strong fragrance, compact form, and early bloom—ideal traits for both ornamental and herbal use.
11. Organic Tips for Success
Avoid high nitrogen; rich soil favors leaves over flower production.
Interplant with pollinator favorites such as echinacea, basil, or zinnias to attract diverse insects.
Rotate seed crops every 3–4 years to prevent soil fatigue.
Allow beneficial insects to overwinter in dried stems before cleanup.
Final Tip:
Saving Lemon Bee Balm seed preserves a native pollinator treasure—each seed carries the color, fragrance, and vitality of the summer meadows where bees and blooms thrive in harmony.
Uses and Benefits — Lemon Bee Balm (Monarda citriodora var. menthifolia)
Culinary Uses
Lemon Bee Balm, also known as Lemon Mint, is a native North American herb cherished for its lively citrus-mint fragrance and subtle floral undertones. Its flavor bridges mint, oregano, and bergamot, adding brightness and a hint of spice to both sweet and savory dishes.
Leaves:
Fresh or dried leaves enhance salads, fruit dishes, herbal butters, and teas. The mild lemon-mint flavor complements chicken, fish, and vegetable recipes and makes an aromatic addition to vinegars and honey infusions.
Flowers:
Edible blossoms bring color and fragrance to salads, cakes, and garnishes, imparting a light citrusy note that uplifts presentation and taste.
Teas & Infusions:
Steeped alone or blended with chamomile, lemon balm, or catnip, the leaves create a soothing herbal tea that relaxes digestion and calms the nerves. Indigenous communities and settlers alike valued it as a gentle fever remedy and aromatic tonic.
Preservation:
Drying: Harvest before full bloom for maximum fragrance. Hang in small bunches in shade until crisp.
Storage: Keep in airtight jars away from heat and light.
Tip: For culinary use, dry Lemon Bee Balm slowly to preserve its lemony oils—rapid drying reduces its delicate aroma.
Nutritional and Botanical Qualities
Lemon Bee Balm contains essential oils rich in thymol, carvacrol, and citral—compounds that provide natural antiseptic, antioxidant, and soothing properties. Herbal teas from the plant are known for their mild antimicrobial action and for easing headaches and sore throats.
Belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), it exhibits square stems, aromatic foliage, and whorls of lavender-pink flowers stacked in distinctive tiers—making it as decorative as it is useful.
Cultural and Historical Uses
Native to the Great Plains and southern United States, Lemon Bee Balm has long been used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal teas and ceremonial fragrance. Early settlers adopted it as a substitute for imported teas during the American Revolution, brewing “Oswego Tea” when other imports were scarce.
Symbolism and Folklore:
Associated with renewal, vitality, and healing of the spirit.
Often planted near homes to bless the household with peace and warmth.
In folk traditions, its blooms represented generosity and harmony between people and pollinators.
Tip: Planting Lemon Bee Balm was believed to attract both bees and good fortune—symbols of diligence and sweetness in life.
Cultural and Practical Benefits
Pollinator Support:
Its vivid, tiered flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in abundance. Lemon Bee Balm serves as a key nectar source in midsummer when other blooms wane.
Pest Resistance:
Aromatic oils deter aphids and garden pests naturally, while still being safe for beneficial insects.
Versatility:
Ideal for herb gardens, pollinator plots, and borders, it thrives even in poor, dry soil and resists drought once established.
Tip: Mix with echinacea, yarrow, and black-eyed susan to create a native pollinator haven rich in color and fragrance.
Everyday and Decorative Uses
Herbal Teas & Culinary Blends:
Add dried Lemon Bee Balm to herbal tea blends or seasoning mixes for a lemony twist. Its refreshing flavor pairs perfectly with mint and basil.
Aromatherapy & Herbal Remedies:
Used in sachets and bath infusions, its scent promotes relaxation and emotional balance. Infused oil can be applied as a mild topical for soothing skin.
Floral & Craft Use:
Dried flower heads retain their shape and pastel hue, adding beauty to wreaths, dried bouquets, and potpourri.
Tip: Combine Lemon Bee Balm with lavender and rosemary for uplifting sachets that evoke the essence of summer gardens.
Environmental and Garden Benefits
Soil & Ecosystem Health:
As a native wildflower, it supports native pollinators and restores ecological balance in garden ecosystems. Its roots help stabilize soil, and its presence boosts biodiversity naturally.
Companion Planting:
Grows well beside tomatoes, peppers, and squash, attracting pollinators essential for vegetable production.
Sustainability:
Tolerant of drought and lean soil, Lemon Bee Balm thrives without synthetic inputs—making it a favorite for xeriscapes and permaculture gardens.
Tip: Let some plants reseed naturally each season to maintain continuous color and pollinator presence.
Culinary & Cultural Legacy
Lemon Bee Balm stands as a symbol of renewal and vitality in North American herb lore. Its lemony fragrance bridges the practical and the poetic—an herb that nourishes bees, soothes the spirit, and refreshes both cup and garden.
Summary Tip:
Lemon Bee Balm is more than a native wildflower—it is a living emblem of balance between earth, fragrance, and life, carrying the brightness of sunlight into every brew and bloom.
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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Mint Seeds - Lemon Bee Balm
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
The citrus-scented wild mint that calls the pollinators home. Monarda citriodora, known as Lemon Bee Balm or Lemon Mint, is a native North American herb that bursts with stacked whorls of lavender-pink blossoms rising above aromatic foliage. When brushed or crushed, the leaves release a bright, lemony fragrance with notes of mint and thyme—a scent both refreshing to the gardener and irresistible to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Plants grow 18–30 inches tall, forming upright clumps that bring color and fragrance to borders, pollinator gardens, and herb beds. The blooms appear in layered crowns from early to midsummer, each cluster like a tiered crown of petals dancing in the sun. The flavor, mild and citrusy, lends itself to teas, garnishes, and homemade herbal elixirs.
Native to the southern and central United States, Lemon Bee Balm thrives in dry, well-drained soils and full sun, reflecting the hardy spirit of the prairies it calls home. Long valued by Indigenous peoples for both culinary and medicinal uses, it remains a symbol of the living bond between beauty, utility, and the wild sweetness of the land.
