100 Spotted Bee Balm Seeds – Monarda punctata Native Wildflower for Pollinator Gardens

Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) is a distinctive native wildflower prized for its unusual stacked whorls of pale yellow to creamy flowers dotted with purple spots. The blooms are held above attractive gray-green foliage and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This easy-to-grow perennial is a wonderful choice for meadow plantings, pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas, adding texture and late-season interest.

Native to much of the eastern and central United States, Spotted Bee Balm is adaptable and tolerant of poor, dry soils. Its aromatic foliage is resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, making it a low-maintenance option for challenging spots. The flowers are also long-lasting when cut, bringing a unique touch to fresh or dried arrangements.

Plant Features

• Unique stacked flower whorls with purple spots
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Aromatic, deer-resistant foliage
• Tolerates drought and poor soil once established
• Native wildflower ideal for naturalized plantings

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Monarda punctata
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soil
• Water Requirements: Low to medium; drought tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
• Bloom Season: Summer to early fall
• Mature Height: 2–3 feet
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Spotted Bee Balm seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in fall after the first frost. Lightly press seeds into the soil surface; do not cover deeply, as light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which typically takes 14–28 days at 65–70°F. Once seedlings have several true leaves, thin or transplant them to their final spacing.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish a deep root system. Thereafter, Spotted Bee Balm is quite drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering and heavy mulching around the crown. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms or leave seed heads for winter interest and bird forage. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

What's Included

100 Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) seeds.