Lemon Mint¬†is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, that is native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. Common names include lemon bee balm, lemon mint and lemon bergamot. When crushed, the leaves emit an odour reminiscent of lemons.

Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora) is a¬†short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual or biennial with beautiful spikes of scented, tubular, two-lipped white, pink and purple flowers over purplish bracts which are very attractive to pollinating insects. Easy to grow, and flowering in its first season from an early sowing, the lance-shaped, aromatic leaves are strongly lemon scented and used to flavour tea and savoury dishes in a similar fashion to lemon mint.

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

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Herb Lemon Mint Seed Information

Seed Quantity:	Approx 500 seeds per pack.
Site:	Grow in 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
When to Sow:	Indoors: February to March Outdoors: April to June
How to Sow:	For an early flowering crop under glass from February - sow thinly onto trays or pots containing good quality seed compost and lightly cover with compost. Cover with polythene, glass or a propagator lid. Keep moist but not overly wet and keep at 68F (20C) for 2-4 weeks. Remove covers once seedlings appear and transplant when easy to handle into small pots. Harden off in a cool environment and plant out at 30cm intervals once all risk of frost has passed. For direct, outdoor sowings from April onwards - sow thinly in rows 30cm apart in a well-prepared seed bed. Cover lightly and keep moist, transplanting or thinning to 30cm when easy to handle.
Care:	Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms
Harvest:	June - September

When to Sow Herb Lemon Mint Seeds

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