Monarda Growing Guide
Monarda didyma
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Rich soil that holds moisture well.
Position
Morning sun with partial afternoon shade.
Frost tolerant
A cold-hardy perennial which can survive temperatures to -30C (-20F).
Feeding
Topdress the dormant plants with good compost in winter.
Companions
Monarda thrives with other sun loving perennial flowers and looks lovely with cosmos.Bbeloved of the bees it is also known as Bee Balm and is excellent for attracting pollinators.
Spacing
Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 50cm (1' 7") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Start with purchased plants, set out in spring. Many selected cultivars are resistant to powdery mildew, a common problem with this species. 30 cm (12in) each way is a good spacing for an initial planting of 3 plants. Monarda is a slight spreader, but not invasive like mint. Over time, a happy plant will form a mount 120 cm (4ft) high and wide.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Pastel flower colours look especially cooling in partial shade. Leaves are excellent for tea.
Harvesting
Harvest stems to dry for tea in early summer, before the plants bloom. The plants will regrow after cutting, then bloom.
Troubleshooting
Moving clumps every few years may help limit problems with powdery mildew.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Monarda