Bee Balm is a plant that goes by many names. It’s known as Oswego Tea, named after the Oswego tribe of New York. It’s also called Bergamot because of its resemblance to the bergamot orange. The plant is named after Nicolas Monardes, a famous Spanish botanist who was first to write about the New World plant species in the 1500s. And finally, it’s sometimes referred to as horsemint, although this name is mostly used for Monarda punctata or Spotted Beebalm, and its origin is unclear.
Bee Balm is native to Eastern North America, from Northern Georgia to Ontario. Over time, it has spread to several countries worldwide and become naturalized there.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
Bee Balm was especially popular after the Boston Tea Party led to “liberty teas” which were native plant-based tea alternatives to the imported British drink.
Some say the name Bee Balm came from some native tribes using the plant to treat bee stings.
It can grow by seed and spread under the soil via rhizomes.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Latin: Monarda
- Perennial in most zones
- Full sun
- Stratification? No, but a cold spell can increase germination
- Height up 1ft.
- Average water
- Germination in 20-30 days at 70F or above.
Direct sow outdoors in weed-free soil from Fall to at least 4 weeks before your region’s last frost date. Press seeds into dirt but don’t cover as they need light to germinate. These seeds don’t require stratification for germination, but sprouting improves if refrigerated for 4 or more weeks. If planting in Spring or Summer, remember that Bee Balm won’t bloom until it’s had a full year of root growth.
- Can be started indoors.
- Bee balm is finicky and slow. They require patience!
- Works well in containers but blooms better if given space.
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
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