Lemon Bee Balm [Monarda citriodora]

The perennial lemon bee balm is a versatile spice and medicinal plant with a pleasant citrus scent and taste. Has a relaxing effect when made into a tea. A rich source of food for people, bees and butterflies. Ideal for direct sowing, no pot cultivation, sowing in spring-summer, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
The lemon bee balm or Indian mint is a perennial spice and medicinal plant from the southern USA and northern Mexico and grows wild on limestone slopes. Long before the species reached Europe, it was used as a medicinal plant by the Indians. It has purple to pink flowers that give off a pleasant citrus scent. The plant is used as a fragrance and medicinal plant as well as a culinary herb. The leaves have a lemony taste and can be used both raw and cooked. The leaves prepared as a tea have a relaxing effect on the digestive tract and bronchi. The essential oil is used as a repellent against stinging insects. A rich source of food for bees and butterflies. The leaves have a lemony taste and can be eaten raw and cooked.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -20°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 16-20 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 40x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to August is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from May to August is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Requires cool temperatures of around 0 °C for 1 week to germinate. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Lemon bee balm does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Regular watering results in faster growth. Fertilizing with plant manure in the spring from the second year onwards is recommended.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Monarda citriodora
English names: Lemon bee balm, Indian balm
German names: Zitronen Monarde, Prärie-Bergamotte, Indianische Minze, Indianernessel, Goldmelisse, Bienenbalsam, Präriegoldmelisse, Zitronengoldmelisse
Portuguese names: Monarda citriodora
Spanish names: Monarda de limón
French names: Monarde citronnée

 Origin 
Country: Germany