GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific Name: Monarda didyma
CommonName: Bee Balm
Hardiness Zone: 4a - 9a
Hardiness Degree: -30°F (-30°C)
Blooming Season: Late Spring, Summer, Late Summer
Plant Habit: Upright
Characteristics: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Attracts Hummingbirds, Rabbit Resistant, Frost Tolerant
Water: Medium
Fertilizer: Once a month
Spacing: 18 - 20" (46 - 51cm)
Height: 15 - 18" (38 - 46cm)
Width: 14 - 16" (36 - 41cm)
Exposure: 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: Pinch once, prior to transplant.
Transplanting: 35-42 days after sticking
FINISHING
Media pH: 5.8-6.2
Temperature: Nights: 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C) Days: 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C)
Light Level (fc): 5,000 to 8,000
Vernalization: Beneficial for bulking and earlier flowering. Not required for 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 N.
Pinch After Transplant: Typically not required
Plant Growth Regulators: PGRs generally not needed
Pests and Fungal Diseases: Powdery mildew when pressure is high.
CROP SCHEDULING
1–qt. (10–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot: Not recommended
1–gal. (15–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot: 9-11 wks
2 to 3–gal. (25 to 30–cm) pot, 3 plants per pot: 10-12 wks
Bloom Months: June to July