Monarda punctata

Germination

Sow under glass in mid-late spring. Sow 2mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 10-40 days. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 45cm spacing. Can be sown directly in autumn where they are to flower for the following year. Water if required until the plants are established.

Growing

Prefers a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow to dry out in summer. May require staking.

Cultivation

Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering window. Will self-seed freely, deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next year. Do not overcrowd this plant, it will spread. Large clumps can be divided every 3 years. Remove excess woody growth. If you wish to collect seeds allow the seedheads to mature on the plant and harvest when dry and brown. Cut plants down to the ground in summer.