Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot Seeds – Native Bee Balm Pollinator Wildflower, 100 Seeds

Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as wild bergamot or native bee balm, is a hardy perennial wildflower native to much of North America. It is a standout in prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, and naturalized meadows, where its shaggy lavender-pink blooms rise above aromatic gray-green foliage from midsummer into early fall. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making this a rewarding choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Wild bergamot brings both beauty and ecological value to the garden. Its long bloom season and nectar-rich flowers support pollinators, while its seed heads provide winter interest and food for birds. It pairs well with other native prairie plants such as coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and little bluestem, and it works beautifully in cottage gardens, pollinator borders, and meadow restorations.

Plant Features

• Native perennial wildflower with lavender-pink, tufted blooms
• Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Aromatic foliage with a minty, bergamot-like scent
• Long bloom period from midsummer to early fall
• Drought-tolerant once established and deer-resistant

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Monarda fistulosa
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, average to dry soil; tolerates poor and rocky soils
• Water Requirements: Low to medium; drought-tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Season: Summer to early fall
• Mature Height: 2-4 feet
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface, as they require light to germinate. Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 65-70°F. Germination typically occurs in 10-21 days. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves and all danger of frost has passed, harden them off and transplant outdoors.

Wild bergamot thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish, then reduce watering as they become drought-tolerant. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering, or leave seed heads standing for winter interest and bird food. Divide clumps every few years in early spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. This low-maintenance native perennial is generally pest-free and deer-resistant.

What's Included

100 Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) seeds.