Lemon Mint Seeds

Flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, particularly when massed. Leaves have a distinctive lemony aroma when rubbed. Some monardas are commonly called beebalm in reference to a prior use of the leaves as a balm for bee stings. Genus name honors Nicholas Monardes, 16th century Spanish physician from Seville. Specific epithet comes from Latin and means having a citrus aroma.

This plant has many uses including: Bedding plant, cottage gardens, herb gardens, native plant areas, prairies, roadsides or waste areas. Also effective in hummingbird or butterfly gardens. Leaves may be used to make herbal teas or may be added to pot-pourris.

Useful gardening information

Sow seeds directly in prepared areas in the spring when temperatures begin to warm.
Spread the herb seeds evenly and rake into loose topsoil. Supplemental watering is suggested if spring rains are poor. Provide additional water until the plants reach 10 - 12 inches tall. Once established, Lemon Mint should re-seed itself. Allow flower seeds to mature completely before mowing or cutting down. Since it's an annual, it is essential that the plant is allowed to re-seed itself for the following year.

Links to useful information on the web:

Growing and using Lemon Mint

HR167 Lemon Mint ( Monarda citriodora )

Lemon Mint, also known as Lemon Bee Balm or Purple Horsemint, is one of the most striking and useful members of the Monarda family. This beautiful annual wildflower produces unique tiers of lavender-purple flower bracts topped with clusters of nectar-rich blooms that create an eye-catching display from summer through fall.

The aromatic foliage releases a delightful citrus fragrance when brushed or crushed, making Lemon Mint a favorite for herb gardens, pollinator plantings, cottage gardens, and patio containers. The combination of colorful flowers and lemon-scented leaves provides months of beauty, fragrance, and wildlife activity.

Few plants can rival Lemon Mint's ability to attract pollinators. The blossoms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, making it an outstanding choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. During peak bloom, plants often become a focal point of pollinator activity.

Native to the central and southern United States, Lemon Mint is heat tolerant, drought resistant once established, and well adapted to a wide range of growing conditions. Its upright growth habit and colorful flower spikes make it equally impressive in containers, borders, meadow plantings, and naturalized landscapes.

Uses and Benefits

Produces distinctive lavender-purple flower clusters.
One of the best flowers for attracting bees and butterflies.
Highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Fragrant lemon-scented foliage.
Excellent pollinator and wildlife plant.
Useful companion plant in vegetable and herb gardens.
Beautiful cut flower for fresh arrangements.
Suitable for dried flower displays.
Excellent for native wildflower gardens.
Thrives in containers and patio gardens.
Tolerates heat and summer drought.
Historically used in herbal tea blends.

Hardiness Zones

Lemon Mint is typically grown as an annual in all USDA Zones, although it readily reseeds in favorable conditions.

Germination Instructions

Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
Press seeds lightly into the soil surface.
Do not cover deeply, as light aids germination.
Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Keep soil lightly moist during germination.
Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days.
Provide bright light after seedlings emerge.

Growing Tips

Plant in full sun for best flowering.
Prefers well-drained soil.
Drought tolerant once established.
Excellent for pollinator gardens and native plantings.
Deadheading can extend the flowering season.
Allow some flowers to mature if reseeding is desired.

Combining beautiful purple blooms, fragrant lemon-scented foliage, exceptional pollinator value, and outstanding heat tolerance, Lemon Mint is one of the finest wildflowers for creating a colorful, wildlife-friendly garden. Whether planted in containers, borders, or meadow-style plantings, it delivers months of beauty and activity throughout the growing season.

2256 Wild Bergamot ( Monarda fistulosa )

Also known as Wild Bergamot this perennial is an upright growing plant which spreads out. It has a lovely lavender blossom and distinctively aromatic foliage. Its sweet nectar is a favorite of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Sometimes called Mint Leaf Bee Balm, this native to eastern North America and the plains, and it is easy to grow from seeds and it multiplies quickly.
It can be found naturally along riverbanks and enjoys this rich, organic, moist soil. However, it will grow in average soil as well. Full sun is best, but light shade is tolerated. Plants tend to spread more quickly in the shade. Most Monarda herbs multiply rapidly either by underground stems or freely sowing their own flower seed. In order to keep plants healthy and vigorous, they should be divided at least every three years in the spring. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the bloom time.

3481 Lemon Catnip ( Nepeta cataria citriodora )

Lemon Catnip is a subspecies of the common catnip, the attraction to cats is the same. The difference lies, not only in the lemon scent but also the appearance. The plants are a bit smaller than common catnip and the foliage is a soft green rather than gray green. Tastes great in teas and has the same mild sedative effect. Blue blooms in summer attract honeybees.
Growing Lemon Catnip is a wonderful way to bring a lemony scent to your landscape or garden, and it's a reliable plant giving years of pleasure. Start these flower seeds indoors in late winter for transplanting out after frosts have passed.
A perennial best suited for zones 4-9.

All seed packets listed on this page are in stock and ready to ship.