Wild Bergamot Flower Seeds

Product Description

Early Virginians held great affection for their gardens. Create your very own historically inspired garden with this packet of Wild Bergamot Seeds. Native to the North American prairies, this perennial plant is valued for its exceptional ability to attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Belonging to the Mint family, the striking lavender blossoms last for weeks beginning in mid-summer. The 30-36 inch plants are very vigorous, drought, heat and poor soil tolerant.

Planting Instructions

FULL SUN – Seed should be planted in the autumn for blossoms the following summer. Seed planted in the spring will produce plants which bloom the following year. Plant seeds 8-10 inches apart ½ inch deep in soil. When seedlings are 2 inches high, thin leaving 8-10 inches between plants.

Features

• 200 mg seed packet
• Perennial Plant, Monarda fistulosa
• Plant 8-10 inches apart at a 1/2-inch depth
• 14-21 Days to Germination
• 180 Days to Blossom
• Made in the USA
• CW Exclusive

Inspiration

Eighteenth-century Williamsburg was the home of many ardent gardeners and plant collectors who often exchanged seeds with fellow enthusiasts in Great Britain. Gardeners obtained their seeds from store merchants or from traveling seedsmen. Today, the Colonial Williamsburg seed program continues the tradition by offering many varieties grown in the 18th century.

Wild bergamot is a member of the mint family. The common name, bee balm, refers to the plant's unusual attraction for bees, and the name, bergamot, refers to that plant's citrusy fragrance which is very much like the scent of bergamot oranges. Wild bergamot was introduced into Britain in 1637 by John Tradescant the younger, but soon perished. In 1744, John Bartram sent the plant's seeds to Peter Collinson in Britain and the plants from these seeds flourished. In addition to attracting bees, this plant is also very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.