Bee Balm Native Prairie Forb - Organic

110 days to maturity; blooms in the second year from direct sowing. Certified Organic.

Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) is a showy native perennial that fills summer gardens and prairies with lavender-pink blooms and a heady, minty fragrance. Equally beloved by bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and humans. Native to much of North America, this hardy member of the mint family has long been valued by Indigenous peoples for its medicinal and ceremonial uses. Also called Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, spreading gradually by rhizomes and self-seeding to form fragrant colonies. Its shaggy, tubular blooms provide nectar through midsummer, making it a cornerstone plant for pollinator and native prairie gardens alike.

Sow Bee Balm seeds in full sun and well-drained soil. Cold stratify for 30 days before planting or sow outdoors in fall for natural chilling. Lightly press seeds into the soil surface and keep moist until established. Do not bury seeds. Space 12–18″ apart. Plants are hardy and drought-tolerant once established, though they’ll flower best with regular moisture. Cut back spent blooms to encourage re-flowering, or leave seed heads for winter interest, bird food, and self-seeding. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and airflow.

Seed Source Information:

Lot # CO-OG-1604-2025. Grown by Circadian Organics in 2025 in Ferryville, WI. Certified Organic.

The Midwest, with its unique combination of diverse topographies, microclimates, soil types, and weather patterns, presents a distinct set of growing challenges. At Driftless Seed Supply, our deep understanding of these conditions, honed by years of experience as Midwest growers, informs every seed we produce.

Generations of seed production, coupled with rigorous trialing in partnership with regional farmers, have enabled us to offer seeds that are exceptionally well-suited to the Midwest's unique growing environment.

Our commitment goes beyond just supplying seeds. We strive to ensure that Midwest farmers and gardeners like you have access to seeds that are not only well-adapted to our region but also capable of producing outstanding yields. Each generation of seeds we cultivate here in the Midwest—rather than in distant, climatically different regions—enhances the adaptability and performance of our varieties, setting them apart from those offered by many other seed companies.

Additionally, our collaboration with small local farms for most of our seed production is a testament to our dedication to strengthening the Midwest's food system. This approach not only supports local agriculture but also avoids the need to rely on large-scale production facilities in distant locations, whether out West or abroad.

We ship anywhere in the lower 48 states of the US via USPS.

All sales are final and we do not accept returns or exchanges except in the case of delivering the wrong item or recalling specific seed lots due to contamination. For wholesale customers who purchase our pre-filled bundles, we will provide a credit for the following season’s order for any packets returned by October 1st. 

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