• Red Bergamot Oswego Tea plant with scarlet-red flower clusters and aromatic green foliage growing in a sunny herb garden.
  • Red Bergamot Oswego Tea plant with scarlet-red flower clusters and aromatic green foliage growing in a sunny herb garden.
  • Red Bergamot Oswego Tea plant with scarlet-red flower clusters and aromatic green foliage growing in a sunny herb garden.
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Eden Valley Seeds

Red Bergamot Oswego Tea Seeds – Monarda didyma Medicinal Herb

Red Bergamot Oswego Tea Seeds – Monarda didyma Medicinal Herb

$16.99 USD
$16.99 USD
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Key Features

  • Plant Variety: Red Bergamot, also known as Oswego Tea or Scarlet Bee Balm.

  • Flower Color: Bright red to scarlet flowers arranged in distinctive, rounded clusters.

  • Plant Characteristics: Aromatic, upright perennial herb with green foliage and square stems.

  • Garden Uses: Suitable for herb gardens, cottage gardens, pollinator borders, and naturalized landscapes.

  • Unique Appeal: Fragrant leaves and showy flowers make this herb attractive to both gardeners and pollinators.

Growing Benefits

  • Herb Gardening: Grow an aromatic herb for traditional culinary and tea preparations.

  • Pollinator Appeal: Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

  • Garden Color: Bright red blooms create a striking summer display.

  • Perennial Growth: Established plants can return year after year in suitable conditions.

  • Natural Beauty: Adds fragrance, texture, and cottage-garden charm to outdoor spaces.

Seed Specifications

  • Common Name: Red Bergamot, Oswego Tea, Scarlet Bee Balm

  • Botanical Name: Monarda didyma

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial flowering herb

  • Colors: Scarlet-red flowers and green foliage

  • Height: Approximately two to four feet at maturity

  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

  • Water: Regular watering to maintain evenly moist soil

  • Germination Time: Usually around ten to twenty-one days under suitable conditions

  • Sowing Depth: Surface sow or cover very lightly with soil

  • Spacing: Approximately eighteen to twenty-four inches between plants

  • Growing Zones: Generally USDA zones four through nine

  • Flowering/Maturity: Typically flowers in summer; plants may take a growing season to establish before flowering well

  • Uses: Herb gardens, ornamental borders, pollinator gardens, and traditional tea preparations

Growing Tips

  • Plant in a sunny location with good air circulation to help reduce mildew.

  • Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot and dry weather.

  • Remove faded flowers to encourage continued blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.

  • Divide established clumps when they become crowded to maintain healthy growth.

Seed Storage

  • Store unused seeds in a cool, dry, dark place.

  • Keep seeds in a sealed container to protect them from moisture.

  • Label the container with the plant name and storage date.

  • Avoid excessive heat and humidity, which can reduce seed viability.

Unique Facts About Red Bergamot Seeds

  • Native American Herb: Monarda didyma is native to eastern North America and has a long history of traditional use.

  • Oswego Tea: The leaves have been used to prepare herbal tea, giving the plant its common name.

  • Pollinator Favorite: Its tubular flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

  • Aromatic Foliage: The leaves release a distinctive fragrance when crushed.

Growing Instructions

Planting Season

Sow seeds in spring after the danger of severe frost has passed, or start them indoors earlier in the season. Fall sowing may also work in regions with suitable winter conditions.

Sowing Preparation

Use clean seed trays or small pots filled with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix. Moisten the growing medium before sowing.

Sowing Depth and Spacing

Scatter seeds over the soil surface and press them gently into the growing medium. Cover only lightly, as the seeds need light to germinate. Thin or transplant seedlings to allow adequate room for mature growth.

Sunlight Requirements

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Plants grown in hotter climates may benefit from afternoon shade.

Soil Requirements

Use fertile, moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Avoid areas where water collects around the roots.

Watering

Water gently after sowing and maintain consistent moisture during germination. Established plants benefit from regular watering, especially during dry weather.

Germination

Keep the growing medium moist and provide suitable warmth. Seeds commonly germinate within a few weeks under favorable conditions, although timing varies. Avoid burying seeds deeply.

Transplanting

When seedlings develop several true leaves and become sturdy enough to handle, transplant them carefully into individual pots or prepared garden beds. Harden off indoor-grown seedlings before moving them outdoors.

Fertilizing

Mix mature compost into the soil before planting. Apply a light layer of compost around established plants when needed. Avoid excessive fertilizer, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowering.

Plant Care

Maintain consistent soil moisture, remove competing weeds, and provide good air circulation. Divide crowded clumps when necessary to encourage healthy growth.

Flowering and Maturity

Red Bergamot typically flowers during summer, producing striking scarlet blooms. Plants may take time to establish from seed before reaching their full flowering potential.

Growing Note: Red Bergamot is traditionally used as an herbal tea plant, but this listing does not establish medicinal safety or effectiveness. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herb medicinally.