Lemon mint (Monarda citriodora), also called lemon bee balm, is an aromatic annual herb with tiered whorls of lavender-pink blooms and lemony, minty foliage. These non-GMO lemon mint seeds grow into upright, showy plants that flower for weeks and buzz with pollinators. It bridges the herb garden and the flower border with fragrance and color.Who it's forPerfect for pollinator gardeners, tea makers, and anyone wanting an easy, self-seeding herb with striking, long-lasting blooms.How & when to plantSow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct-sow in spring; seeds need light, so press onto the surface and barely cover. Space plants 12–18 inches apart in full sun to light shade. Grown as an annual in most regions and hardy in USDA zones 4–9, it thrives in average, well-drained soil and tolerates heat and some drought.HarvestLeaves and flowering tops are ready in about 70–85 days, best gathered as the blooms open. Snip sprigs for fresh use or drying, and leave some flowers to self-seed for next year's plants.Benefits & usesThe citrusy-minty leaves and edible flowers make a fragrant herbal tea and a colorful garnish for salads and drinks. In the garden, lemon mint is a powerful magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Growing guide: New to this variety? Read our full guide, How to Grow Lemon Mint From Seed, for step by step sowing, spacing, and harvest tips.
