In the gardener’s world, seeds represent the most profound emblem of potential. Each tiny seed holds within it the blueprint for growth, a promise of the beauty and bounty to come. As gardeners, we are granted the unique privilege to guide and nurture these seeds, coaxing out the vibrant life they encase. Through this process, we become not merely cultivators of the earth but artists of nature, painting our landscapes with the colors, textures, and forms of the plants we grow. The act of growing from seed allows us a deeper connection with the cycle of life, weaving our passions into the tapestry of the natural world. Among the myriad choices for the garden artist, bee balm seeds stand out because of the vibrant beauty they will create and the variety of life they attract and sustain within the garden.
Bee Balm: A Conduit for Pollinators
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, with its radiant flowers and fragrant foliage, acts as a beacon to a host of pollinators, playing a pivotal role in the health of our ecosystems. The relationship between bee balm and its visitors is a testament to the intricate dance of coexistence and mutual benefit. Honeybees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds, drawn to the flower’s rich nectar, become vital agents of pollination, ensuring the continuation of various plant species. Hummingbird moths, with their mid-day and nocturnal visits, bring awe and variety to any garden. I’ll never forget seeing my first hummingbird moth; it seemed enormous as it floated amidst the hovering honeybees. I called out to my wife, like a giddy child who needs to share something new and extraordinary to ensure it really exists.
The hummingbirds, with their dazzling aerobatics, visit bee balm frequently and are a joy to behold as they sip nectar from the deep tubular blossoms. Our ruby throated variety nudges the smaller hummingbird moths aside as their invisible wings and horizontal movement take up more space than one might imagine. But as long as the bee balm patches keep spreading, there will be enough for everyone. A patch of bee balm, with all it visitors and action, is worth its weight in gold
This symphony of interactions extends beyond the beauty of the flowers and the feats of their pollinators; it underscores the importance of cultivating plants that support and sustain our local wildlife. By choosing to grow bee balm from seeds, gardeners can create havens for these crucial insects and birds, contributing to the health of our environment and the majesty of our gardens. Personally, I think they look a little forlorn when on their own, like a lonely child without a friend. Their petals often seem a little ragged, as if too small for themselves. But as a group, in a patch, clump, or field, they seem to reassure each other and become something more than the sum of some flowers. It is in these moments, when the sun heats the air around them, that we admirers see them at their truly best.
Starting Bee Balm from Seeds: A Journey of Growth
Gardeners in Door County should choose the right bee balm variety. While many types exist, selecting varieties suited to the local climate and soil conditions will ensure a thriving display. Look for bee balm seeds known for their hardiness and disease resistance, such as Monarda didyma for its brilliant red flowers or Monarda fistulosa, which offers lovely lavender blooms; this variety is also known as Wild Bergamot. But rest assured, all these varieties are well-adapted to Door County’s climate, providing a spectacular show of color while supporting the local ecosystem’s pollinators.
Starting bee balm from seeds invites both anticipation and wonder. Begin indoors 6–8 weeks before the local frost-free date, sowing seeds in small pots or trays with a gentle press into the soil, allowing for the light they need to germinate. I love seeds that need light for germination: Think about it, like my lovely wife, they need the warm embrace of the sun to enthusiastically start their seasonal journey. A hothouse shelf or a warm, sunny spot indoors becomes the nursery for these nascent lives, a place where careful watering nurtures their emergence from the soil.
As the seedlings greet the world, give them what they need: light, but not too much, and water, but not too much. At some point, they will need their rituals as much as we do. The essential “hardening off” prepares them for their future “in the real world”. This gradual introduction to the outdoors tempers their strength, better preparing them for the transition to the garden and the vibrant but harsh touch of our glorious sun. Good things can harm all of us in excess, so remember, Everything in moderation. Once your noble little plants are properly prepared, choose a spot bathed in sunlight and enriched with well-drained soil, then sporadically space them about 12-18 inches apart in their permanent home to allow for their full expression. Remember to quench their thirst about once a week if Nature hasn’t already rained her healing balm down on them. Once established, they will stand tall and make you proud.
A Glorious Display: The Bee Balm Garden
So, now imagine your patch or field of bee balm, set against the backdrop of a hazy summer afternoon, filled with sunbeams and rising insects. Imagine the vivid hues as the flowers form a living mosaic, a swirl of reds and pinks and and maybe lavenders that captivate the eye and the heart. The air vibrates with the wings of pollinators, each visitor a testament to your dedication, a provider, a caretaker, a friend who asks for nothing. This vibrant community, born from the humble beginnings of tiny seeds, stands as a symbol of the gardener’s role in the creation of natural beauty and a healthy biodiversity. And don’t worry, the descendents of these resilient plants will be back; bee balm seeds itself consistently, as long we create the necessary conditions.
A bee balm garden is more than just a visual feast; it is a sanctuary for the soul, a place where the harmony of life breathes in shades of crimson. A place where we can witness the power of seeds to transform reality, where we see the significance of pollinators in the web of life, and where we feel the profound impact of our work as gardeners. By cultivating bee balm, we weave ourselves into the fabric of Nature, creating spaces that nourish, inspire, and remind us of the simple, enduring beauty of this world.
Step-by-Step
- 6–8 weeks before your local frost-free date, sow bee balm seeds in small pots or seed trays, pressing them gently into the potting soil. Bee balm needs some light to germinate, so just barely cover.
- Place seeded pots or trays in a warm and sunny indoor spot, making sure to keep the potting soil evenly moist, until the seeds germinate.
- Once the seeds have germinated, continue watering the plants regularly until after the last frost.
- “Harden off” your bee balm seedlings over a week by taking them outdoors (dappled sunlight is best) for a few hours each day and then returning them indoors. This gives the plants time to acclimate to outdoor temperatures before their big move to the garden.
- Choose a location in your yard or garden that gets either full sun or full morning sun with afternoon shade. The soil should be fertile, neutral, or slightly acidic, and well-drained.
- Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the seedling’s root ball and some or all of the potting soil. Space plants 12–24 inches apart.
- Place the bee balm seedling in the hole and refill the hole with soil, gently tamping down the soil around the base of the plant.
- Water thoroughly, and then again at least once every 7 to 10 days.
