All About Bee Balm Plant Seeds:
Germination, Storage and Sowing

Bee balm is a popular plant that belongs to the mint family. It is also known as Monarda, Oswego tea, or bergamot. The plant is native to North America and is well-loved for its vibrant colors, sweet fragrance, and medicinal properties.

Bee balm seeds are an excellent way to start growing these plants in your garden. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about bee balm plant seeds – from germination to storage and sowing.

Germinating Bee Balm Plant Seeds

The first step in growing bee balm from seeds is to germinate them. Bee balm seeds can be started indoors or outdoors. Here’s how to germinate bee balm seeds:

1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.
2. Fill a seed tray with moist soil mix and sprinkle the seeds on top.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil mix.
4. Water the soil gently and keep it moist until the seedlings emerge.
5. Place the seed tray in a warm and bright location but away from direct sunlight.
6. The seedlings should emerge within 7-14 days.

Storing Bee Balm Plant Seeds

If you have leftover bee balm plant seeds, you can save them for future use. To store bee balm seeds:

1. Collect the seeds when they are fully ripe and dry.
2. Remove any debris or chaff from the seeds.
3. Place the seeds in a paper envelope or a small plastic bag.
4. Label the envelope or bag with the plant name and date of collection.
5. Store the envelope or bag in a cool, dry location.

Bee balm seeds can remain viable for up to 3 years if stored properly.

Sowing Bee Balm Plant Seeds

Once your bee balm seedlings have grown big enough, it’s time to transplant them into your garden. Here’s how to sow bee balm plant seeds:

1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
2. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or rocks and adding compost or organic matter.
3. Dig a small hole for each seedling that is slightly larger than its root ball.
4. Gently remove each seedling from the seed tray and place it in the hole.
5. Backfill the hole with soil and press down lightly around the stem.
6. Water each seedling thoroughly after planting.

Bee balm plants should be spaced at least 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth.

FAQ

Q: When should I sow bee balm plant seeds?

A: Bee balm plant seeds can be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the last frost.

Q: How often should I water bee balm plant seeds?

A: Bee balm plant seeds should be watered regularly but not overwatered, as this can cause root rot.

Q: Can I grow bee balm plants in containers?

A: Yes, you can grow bee balm plants in containers as long as they are at least 12 inches deep and have good drainage.

Q: Do bee balm plants attract bees?

A: Yes, bee balm plants are named for their ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.

Q: Can I use bee balm leaves for tea?

A: Yes, bee balm leaves can be used to make tea that has a citrusy flavor and is believed to have medicinal properties such as easing digestive problems and reducing stress.

In conclusion, growing bee balm plants from seeds is an easy and rewarding experience. With proper germination, storage, and sowing techniques, you can enjoy these beautiful plants in your garden year after year.