TKE Farms - Wild Bergamot Bee Balm Seeds for Planting, 500mg Approx. 1000 Seeds, Monarda fistulosa, Heirloom, Non-GMO

Wild bergamot, Monarda fistulosa, is a perennial herb native to North America, thriving in USDA zones 3-9. Part of the mint family, it's distinguished by its square stems, lance-shaped leaves, and distinctive lavender or pinkish-purple flowers. These flowers, blooming in mid to late summer, are tubular and clustered in showy, rounded heads, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Growing up to 4 feet tall in full sun to partial shade, wild bergamot prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate various conditions, including dry soils and drought once established. It's often found in prairies, woodlands, and along roadsides. Renowned for its fragrant foliage and flowers, it's used in teas, culinary dishes, and herbal remedies, historically by Native Americans. The leaves and blooms offer a minty, slightly spicy flavor. Wild bergamot is also valued in gardens for its ornamental and pollinator-friendly qualities. However, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding. It's susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions but overall requires minimal care.