Bee-balms — Bradbury's bee-balm (Monarda bradburiana)

Bee-balms — Bradbury's bee-balm (Monarda bradburiana) Seeds

$ 4.75

A low-growing clump-forming bee-balm with lavender flowers that bloom for several weeks in June. Fuzzy lavender green foliage has a fragrant minty scent and remains stunning all season. Flowers pollinated by numerous insects and seeds relished by birds. Makes an excellent tidy garden plant or a tough addition to an urban sidewalk strip or meadow planting. Deer resistant.

Native to Maine: No. Native to the mid-west.

Growing conditions: Sun to part shade in medium to dry soil

Grows up to: 2'

Blooms: In early summer

Pairs well with: Northeastern beardtongue, smooth blue aster, and spotted bee-balm

Natural habitat: Prairies, open woods, meadows, and roadsides

Seeds per packet: 50-100

Germination Code(s): B
These seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate - a minimum of 60 days below 40°F in moist soil (or sand or vermiculite). Sow outdoors in pots November through February. A great species for beginner seed-sowers.

Each seed package carries a specific germination code along with the plant description. These codes indicate specific sowing instructions.

  • A Seeds can be sown outdoors in fall or early spring.
  • B Seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate. Sow outdoors in fall or winter.
  • C Seeds need light to germinate; sow on soil surface and leave uncovered.
  • D Seeds need alternating cycles of warm-to-cold-to-warm to germinate. They can be sown either outdoors in spring or summer and will germinate the following year or in a flat in a warm place for 3 months, then moved to a refrigerator for 2 months, then moved outside in the early summer warmth.
  • E Seeds can not be allowed to dry out. Sow immediately.
  • F Seeds take two years to germinate. Sow outside in the fall or winter and look for germination in the second spring. A shady location prevents the flats from rapid drying and reduces weeding
  • G Large seeds should be soaked overnight in water.
  • FERN: Sow spores in a warm bright location in a sealed container and keep moist. Directions enclosed with package. Challenging.

If you have specific questions about seeds and germination guidelines please contact us at info@wildseedproject.net.

All seeds can be sown and placed outdoors in fall or winter bypassing the need for an artificial indoor cold stratification (refrigerator) required for some species when planted in spring. This is the simplest method. See How to Grow Natives From Seed for detailed instructions.