Monarda citriodora

'Lemon Beebalm'

Lamiaceae: an aromatic winter annual to 60cm. Found on limestone barrens and slopes, prairies, savannahs and roadsides. The unusual whorled flower heads, tuft-like, lavender to pink. Each whorl in the elongated spike is subtended by whitish or lavender, leaf-like bracts. Several stems grow from the base and are lined with pairs of lance-shaped leaves. Native to Central and Southern North America to Mexico.

USES:

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They are used as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods, and as a tea. They have a pleasant lemon flavour.

The essential oil citronellal, used as an insect repellent and in perfumery, is obtained from this plant.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds from mid to late spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 10-40 days at 20°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late summer in areas where the winters are not too severe and will produce larger plants.

An easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil so long as it is not too dry. Best in a moist soil and a sunny position.

A good bee and butterfly plant.

HARVESTED:

 

APPROX. 200+ SEEDS