Spotted Bee Balm

Truly unique creamy yellow-spotted tubular flowers are native to the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. Each blossom is stacked above the soft pink bracts that radiate out from the stem. They grow up in layers creating a tower of nectar. Pollinators love this! Also known as Horsemint, it has been used for centuries in herbal preparations. Flourishes in full sun and sandy soil. Grows to 36”. 

100 seeds 

PLANTING

Monarda punctata 

Perennial, zone 4-9

Germination: 15-21 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-70ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 60-70ºF soil temperature. Transplant after the last frost, 12-18" apart.

Sowing Outdoors: Starting a week or two before the last frost date. Sow a few seeds every 8-12" or sow seeds close together in a row and when thinning out the seedlings you can transplant them to other places in the garden. 

Growth Habit: Upright, branching, spreads by runners 

Height and Width:  36" x 18-24"

Spacing: 8-12" apart

Light Needs: Full sun to part sun

Soil Needs: Sandy to average, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms late in the season when started early indoors otherwise blooms in the second season

Uses: Flower beds, cut flowers, wildflower and cottage gardens, attracts pollinators 

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend soil with compost before transplanting.  Cut back stems as the blooms fade, this encourages more flower production.