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How to Grow and Propagate Bee Balm

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Bee Balm is also known as Bergamot, Oswego Tea and Horsemint. It is a perennial herb in the mint family. Bee Balm flowers are white, red and purple.

Things You Will Need

Bee Balm plants
Bee Balm seeds
Garden snips
Garden shovel
Garden gloves
Garden spade
Garden hose
Seed starter soil
Seed starter pots
Spray bottle
Sharp knife

To plant Bee Balm, choose an area that receives full sun to partial shade. This herb does best in soil rich with organic matter that drains well and has a pH level of 6.5.

Bee Balm can be transplanted or grown from seed. Direct sow the seeds in early spring and lightly cover or. Keep moist until seeds germinate in approximately 2 weeks.It can grow to 4 feet in height. It is spread by rhizomes and should be planted at least 12 inches apart, allowing for good air circulation.

Once this herb has bloomed, fertilize with an organic fertilizer or a fertilizer approved for edible plants. It prefers moist soil but will tolerate dryer soil for short periods of time. As the plant ages, it tends to die off in the middle of the plant. Dig this area up a little and the plant will fill in.

Bee Balm can be propagated through root ball division every 2 - 3 years. Cut out and discard the older center of the root ball. You can also start from seed indoors 6 weeks before the expected last frost. Place Bee Balm seeds in seed starter soil in small pots in a sunny location. Mist daily.