Bee Balm - Wild Bergamot

Plant family: Lamiaceae

General Info: Bright lavender blooms with a spicy scent, plants produce flowers in the first year Is a nectar plant for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Flowers are edible and the petals can be added to salads, sprinkled over fish, used in fruit salads, or to garnish desserts and drinks. Flavor is very similar to oregano. MEVO staff members use it as an oregano replacement for culinary dishes. 

Days to harvest: 60

Harvesting tips: Starting the first year, leaves may be harvested. More leaves may be harvested each year as plant size increases. Bee Balm does not usually flower until the second year

Sun and spacing: Sun/Part Shade, space 12-18” (30-45-cm)

Common pests and diseases : Powdery mildew (will typically hit the leaves upon reaching 3ft in growth,) new growth will start out unaffected by the mildew. 

Other: Mature (3-4 years old) can be divided to make new plants. More leaves may be harvested each year as the plant size increases.