Bee Balm Seeds – Bergamot, Non-GMO Heirloom

garden with fragrance and buzzing pollinators. It is a favorite for herbal teas and naturalized plantings alike. Who it's for Great for tea gardeners, pollinator enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a low-maintenance native perennial that returns year after year. How & when to plant Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct-sow in early spring; seeds benefit from light and cool temperatures to germinate. Barely cover with 1/8 inch of soil, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart in full sun to part shade. Cold-hardy in USDA zones 3–9, it prefers average, well-drained soil and tolerates some drought once established. Harvest Plants typically flower and are ready for leaf and flower harvest in the second year, about 90–120 days into active growth each season. Snip leaves anytime and gather flowers just as they open, then dry them in a warm, airy spot for later use. Benefits & uses The citrusy-minty leaves and edible flowers make a bright herbal tea and a colorful garnish for salads and desserts. In the garden, bergamot is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a standout in borders and wildflower beds. Growing guide: New to this variety? Read our full guide, How to Grow Bee Balm (Bergamot) From Seed , for step by step sowing, spacing, and harvest tips.