How to grow Bergamot?
- Latin Family: Lamiaceae
- Latin Genus: Monarda
- Ease of Growing: Moderate
- Growing Type: Perennial
Bergamot is a perennial herb in the Mint family. The leaves are very aromatic with a citrusy scent and make a delightful lemony flavored tea, commonly referred to as "Oswego Tea". This herb also has medicinal properties. The stunning flowers will attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects.
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Bergamot History
Bergamot is native to the United States and Mexico.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.0 - 7.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 7.0
Bergamot likes a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Flavor is usually inferior in dry soil.
How to care for Bergamot?
If grown in the right conditions, Bergamot can be invasive. In less ideal conditions, it's not always as invasive. Just be sure to keep it well watered and your Bergamot will thrive.
Water
Bergamot thrives in soil that is consistently moist. The flavor will be inferior if grown in dry soil.
Fertilizer
These plants grow best in rich soil, but almost any soil will do.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 2 - 4 years
Germination Percentage: 85.0
The beautiful, perfect (having male and female parts)flowers are readily pollinated by bees, though they may also be self-fertile. Gather the seed after the blooms become dry and turn brown, cut them off. Crush the flower heads in a bag over a bowl, letting the seeds fall into the bowl. Spread seeds out to dry for a few days at room temperature before storing in a seed packet (or small envelope).
The plants will return every year, as it easily self-seeds itself.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Bergamot prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade as well.
Conditions:Cold, Cool, Warm
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Bergamot dries well and can be dried for tea. Store in a dark, airtight container.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 50-70°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Put leaves in ice cube containers, cover with water and freeze. Thaw as needed.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Problems
Invasive
Bergamot is somewhat invasive, but not as invasive as Mint.
Bergamot Types
- Bergamot
Bergamot is a perennial herb in the Mint family. The leaves are very aromatic with a citrusy scent and make a delightful lemony flavored tea, commonly referred to as "Oswego Tea". This herb also has medicinal properties. The stunning flowers will attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects.
Pests
- Thrips
- Slugs and snails
- Spider Mites
- Caterpillars
- Aphids
- Leafminers
- Deer
- Cutworms
- Gophers
Diseases
- Anthracnose
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Rust
- Powdery Mildew
- Verticillium Wilt
