How to Grow Bergamot

Bergamot (Monarda didyma) is a North American native plant with a scent of oranges. The leaves can be used sparingly in salads and fruit drinks, while the dried leaves or fresh leaves can be made into a tea.

Steps

1
Purchase bergamot seeds. There are several types of bergamot, with the most common one being the wild bergamot (M. fistula) and lemon bergamot (M. citriodora). Check your local nursery or look online. Seeds will need to be raised in trays before transferring to the garden space.
- Alternatively, the plant can be grown from root divisions taken in spring or autumn/fall, or from stem cuttings taken in the summer. Growing from seeds is slow, so you may prefer this method.
- Once planted, bergamot will seed readily but it should be subject to regular division, to remove the dead center. Aim for dividing every three years.
2
Decide where to grow it. Bergamot likes to grow in a sunny position and the soil needs to be rich and well-drained. It will tolerate a little shade.

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3
Plant the seeds or seedlings in spring. Sow seeds shallowly and cover lightly in a seed raising tray. Add a source of heat beneath the tray. When seedlings grow, transfer to the garden spot after hardening off. For a root cutting, transplant directly.^{[1]
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4
Thin out the seedlings or transplant them to 18" apart. They are vigorous growers and will spread a lot.
5
Mulch. Add mulch to the herb in spring.
6
Water on a regular basis to keep moist. Don't over-water though, as it can be prone to mildew.
7
Harvest. Collect leaves in spring or summer. The flowers can be picked when opened.
- Only scatter leaves or flowers sparingly in salads; the flavor is powerful.
- If making tea, infuse or simmer the leaves for 10 minutes in an enamel or glass saucepan. If you want to mimic Earl Grey tea, add the leaves to China tea.
8
Prune. Cut down to ground level in autumn/fall. Mulch it well and expect its return next spring.

Community Q&A

Question

Not fall yet, but plant is dying. Can I cut to ground now?

Ninox

Top Answerer

You can cut it now if the plant is dying very fast, but if you can wait until fall it's better for the plant.
Question

If I'm planting indoors and eventually moving them outside, can I sow the seeds now in mid-October?

Ninox

Top Answerer

If you want to sow inside and then move the sprouts outside, you have to wait until March.