Want to learn about Growing Bergamot? We have discussed everything about How to Grow Bee Balm in this informative article below!
If you are looking for a beautiful flowering variety with the ability to attract beneficial pollinators, Growing Bergamot is the perfect fit. Learn everything about How to Grow Bee Balm in this detailed article below!
Find out some useful Tricks to Attract Bees to the Garden here
Bergamot Plant Profile
Bergamot is an attractive perennial herb with a sweet and strong fragrance that is potent for attracting a horde of beneficial pollinators such as bees, bumble bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to the garden.
The long and slender purple to pink petals are worth adding near the apiary or if you wish to use them as cut flowers.
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia
USDA Zone: 3-10
Look at some Stunning Flowers Starting with ‘B’ here
Bergamot Plant Propagation
Propagating Bergamot Plant is easy through seeds, stem cutting, and root division. However, getting a healthy cutting is an easier and most trustable option.
- Get a healthy and disease-free Bergamot plant and cut a stem below the plant node with a clean, sanitized shear.
- Keep the cut stem in a clean, dry place to let it form callous.
- You may also dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to boost the chances of propagation. However, this step is totally optional.
- Prepare a pot with a nutrient-rich, well-draining medium and tuck the stem inside the soil.
- Water moderately and place it at a location that receives bright and indirect sunlight.
You’ll notice new growth within a span of 10-14 days. You can then move it to a sunny spot.
Look at the Best Moisture-Loving Plants here
Requirements for Growing Bergamot
Location / Sunlight
The flowering herb thrives in full sun but grows well in partial shade in warm regions. Plant it at a location with 6-7 hours of direct sunlight and good air circulation. The more sunlight it receives, the prettier the blooms will be.
Soil
Bee Balm (Bergamot) prefers a well-draining loamy medium with a pH of 6-8. Although, the plant is not very picky about soil type and the wild varieties go well with almost any kind of soil.
Watering
Keep the medium on the moist side but do not let it stand near the plant root. Follow a deep watering session every 4-6 days, depending on the weather.
Keep an eye on the top soil layer and water accordingly. Ensure not to wet the foliage or follow overhead watering to prevent potential diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature range for the healthy growth of Bergamot is 64 to 77 °F or 18 to 25 °C. Also, the plant requires humidity to thrive. Ensure the plant has a humid atmosphere using a humidifier or placing it on a pebble tray.
Check out the Best Flowers for Attracting Pollinators to the Garden here
Bee Balm Care
Fertilizer
The plant is not a heavy feeder. However, you may shower the Bee Balm with a 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer, diluted to half its strength, once in 5-8 weeks to ensure good plant growth.
Pest and Diseases
The plant is prone to aphids, thrips, and white flies that can be barred using a strong jet of insecticidal neem oil solution.
Also, make sure not to overwater the plant and avoid keeping it in a closed area with poor air circulation to keep most diseases at bay.
Pruning
Pinch the tips at the onset of spring to maintain a bushier growth. Also, remember to deadhead fading flowers for a prolific blooming period.
Hello; It would be helpful to know if deadheading aids the plant to rebloom. Thank you.
read the last paragraph of the article…yes deadheading produces more blooms…