GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific Name: Monarda didyma
CommonName: Bee Balm, Bergamot
Hardiness Zone: 4a - 9b
Hardiness Degree: -20°F (-20°C)
Blooming Season: Late Spring, Summer
Plant Habit: Upright
Characteristics: Deer Resistant, Attracts Hummingbirds, Rabbit Resistant
Water: Medium
Fertilizer: Once a month
Spacing: 12 - 14" (30 - 36cm)
Height: 10 - 12" (25 - 30cm)
Width: 8 - 10" (20 - 25cm)
Exposure: Partial Sun, Sun
PROPAGATION
Media EC/pH: EC 1.0-1.25 mmhos/pH 5.8-6.2
Soil Temperature: 70-72°F (21-22°C)
Rooting Hormone: 500 ppm IBA
Mist: Moderate
Fertilization: 50-75 ppm N
Pinching: Recommended.
Transplanting: 28-35 days after sticking
FINISHING
Media pH: 5.8-6.2
Temperature: Nights: 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C) Days: 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C)
Light Level (fc): 5,000 to 8,000
Vernalization: Beneficial for bulking and earlier flowering.
Daylength: Long day obligate
Watering: Allow media to dry slightly between watering.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer at a rate of 125 to 150 ppm.
Pinch After Transplant: Recommended
Plant Growth Regulators: PGRs generally not needed
Pests and Fungal Diseases: Powdery mildew may be present if grown under poor air circulation and high humidity. White fly, spider mites.
CROP SCHEDULING
1–qt. (10–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot: Unrooted: 12-14 wks Rooted: 8-10 wks
1–gal. (15–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot: Unrooted: 14-16 wks Rooted: 10-12 wks
2 to 3–gal. (25 to 30–cm) pot, 3 plants per pot: Unrooted: 14-16 wks Rooted: 12-14 wks
Bloom Months: June to July