How to Grow Monarda Didyma From Seed

If you are looking for brightly colored blossoms that bloom all summer long, consider planting bee balm, or Monarda didyma. Although it is sometimes seen in shades of pink, salmon, violet and white, brilliant red is the most common color, and the bright, fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and bees into the garden. Bee balm is hardy in US Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 9, but the plants easily succumb to mildew in areas with long, hot summers. Start seeds indoors in late winter.

Things You'll Need

Small pots, at least 2 inches deep
Soilless potting mix
Tray

Plastic bag
Liquid houseplant fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Fill small pots with soilless potting mix to within 1/2 inch of the top. Place the pots on a tray and moisten the soil with water.
- 2
  Place two seeds in the center of each pot and barely cover them with soil.
- 3
  Enclose the tray of pots in a plastic bag and place it in a location with dim light.
- 4
  Remove the plastic bag when the seedlings emerge and move them to a sunny window. Germination takes 10 to 40 days.
- 5
  Clip out the weakest seedling if two plants emerge in the same pot.
- 6
  Keep the soil lightly moist and dispose of any water that collects in the tray under the pots.
- 7
  Feed the seedlings with a liquid fertilizer mixed at half strength every other week, beginning when they have four true leaves.
- 8
  Transplant the seedlings outdoors in early spring when the soil is cool and there is still a chance that you may have a light frost. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

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