Bergamot Monarda Lemon - “Buy a seasoning herb, and grow a flower. (a photo)"

Monarda lemon is ornamental plant, looks beautiful in photographs, in the country, can also be used for bouquets, but it is popular not only because of this.

Lemon monard contains honey nectar, inflorescences and leaves contain essential oils.

To obtain essential oils, the leaves must be harvested when the plant is flowering.

At the same time, the plant is most active for the first five years, then the effectiveness of the oils decreases.

General information about the plant Monarda lemon

Origin

The monard plant has several types, these are:

• double monarda,
• fistulate,
• lemon monarda.

belongs to the fast growing perennial grass, but more commonly grown as annual plant, to the family of Lamiaceae, Lamiaceae.

They grow in North America and Mexico. Monarda is sometimes called bergamot, they are similar.

Lemon grass is used in medicine and cooking, as it has a pleasant aroma. If you grind the leaves of lemon monarda, then a lemon-like aroma is released. Some say that when rubbing old leaves of monarda, it smells of oregano.

Growth

The plant was named after the Spanish botanist who first described it, Nicolas Monardes. In Russia, in its middle lane, the most famous varieties of lemon monarda are such varieties as Mona Lisa, Diana, Solntsevsky Semko.

Usually these are annual plants, sometimes they endure the winter quite well. In Russia, Mona Lisa is available for use.

Appearance

Outwardly, it is a bush, from the center of which stems grow.

Since lemon monarda is an ornamental plant with useful properties, then it is actively spreading throughout Europe.

In a simple way, lemon monard is called bergamot, lemon mint, american melissa. The plant has a spicy smell, enriched with essential oils.

Monarda lemon has a fairly strong aroma, which is similar to the smell of mint and lemon.

Lemon Monarda is a shrub with stems, with green oval leaves with a sharp tip 4-8 centimeters long. The stems are thin, around them curled flowers are white, pink, purple.

Lemon monarda can reach a meter in height, the stem height is usually 80 centimeters.

The stem is a branched tetrahedral sprout that grows straight. The plant has leaves oval oblong, toothed.

Monarda lemon flowers can be different colors, red, purple, white, together they form inflorescences, their diameter is usually seven centimeters.

On the stem of the plant, flowers are located one above the other. The citrus scent of Monarda attracts bees and butterflies.

Monarda lemon belongs to the mint family, sometimes it is called American lemon balm, bergamot.

In addition to decorative functions, lemon monarda also has medicinal properties.

The plant has an antimicrobial, anthelmintic effect on the body due to the content of essential oils with vitamins C, B1, B2 in the stems.

Growing and caring for lemon monarda

Soil Requirements

For lemon monarda more suitable clay soil, but the area must be without the risk of flooding.

At the same time, the monarda can survive drought, grow in calcareous or alkaline soil.

In nature, it grows in limestone wasteland. Most suitable place there will be a sunny place for the monarda.

Most varieties of Monarda are perennials. With the onset of winter, the upper aerial part of the plant withers, and closer to spring the flower awakens. Flowering lasts two months in summer from July.

reproduction

Lemon monarda begin to grow by planting seedlings. You can use the option of dividing the bush, or growing from seeds.

seedling method

To prepare the seedlings, you need to sow the seeds in boxes in January or February. After three weeks, shoots may already appear. For seed germination, a temperature of at least 20 degrees is needed.

They can be planted on the site in two to two and a half months, and you can not be afraid of frost. You can choose both a sunny and semi-dark place.

The depth of the soil should be about two centimeters, the soil must first be loosened and manure, minerals, sand, lime added. And in the process of the transplant itself, you also need to add ammonium nitrate.

Bush division method

You can use the method of dividing the bushes, but the bush must be 4 years old. From one bush, you can make seating up to 28 seedlings, but this does not apply to all varieties of monarda, but not for lemon.

For lemon monarda, planting seedlings is more suitable. The first two months the bush will grow slowly, gradually growth increases. During the summer, you can do weeding from weeds 3 times.

Properties of lemon monarda

Appreciate lemon monard for its essential oils, they are used in perfumery, for medicinal purposes. The essential oil of lemon monarda is called citronella and contains phenolic monoterpenes, thymol.

Monarda can also be used to add flavor to tea, as a seasoning for meat dishes.

Lemon monarda can also be used as a medicine:

• for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis,
• as an antimicrobial agent
• to get rid of helminths, salmonella,
• for healing skin from burns.

Lemon monarda is used in cooking:

• to give a lemon flavor to certain dishes, in particular desserts, cheesecakes, cookies, cakes,
• for fish dishes, salads, sauces.
• to decorate side dishes, as the flowers are considered edible,
• and leaf pieces can be frozen with ice cubes and added to drinks (watch the video).

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If you want to get a very unusual plant that can be used as a spice, then start growing lemon monarda from seeds. We will tell you how to do this in this article.

Meet Monarda

This perennial, grown here as an annual, came to us from the USA. Its leaves and stem can smell like aromas of various essential oils: mint, lemon, citrus and even bergamot. We use it as decorative and medicinal plant, and besides this, it is an excellent source of nectar for the shoulders and a remedy for certain pests.

Monarda is a tall (80-100 cm) well-branching plant, the stems of which are crowned with single or stacked inflorescences of two-lipped flowers. The color of the inflorescences can be different, depending on the species. Flowering begins in mid-summer (July) and lasts almost 2 months.

Growing lemon monarda

If you want to grow monarda with a lemon flavor, then you will have to choose between the Mona Lisa and Solntsevsky Semko varieties. They both have pale lilac inflorescences.

In order for your lemon monarda to bloom more abundantly, it must be planted in a sunny place, if longer, then in partial shade. It is not particularly whimsical to the quality of the soil; it grows poorly only on acidic and waterlogged ones. The selected area should be dug up twice (in autumn and spring), both times making fertilizer.

IN southern regions sowing can be carried out immediately in the ground, after it is established good weather and the soil warms up. In cooler climates, it is recommended to grow seedlings first, sowing them in February. With the second method of growing lemon monarda, it will turn out to be stronger.

Seedlings are planted in open ground when they grow 2 pairs of true leaves. Between the holes, a distance of at least 35 cm should be retreated. Immediately after planting, the soil must be moistened and loosened.

IN further care for the monarda will consist in carrying out 2-3 loosening of the soil around them during the season, fertilizing, watering and weed control. It should be watered as the soil dries out; in hot summer conditions, the ground around it should be mulched with peat or watering will have to be done more often. For the formation of a large number of stems, during the period of active growth, the application of mineral and organic fertilizers should be alternated.

If you want to make given flower essential oil, then it is necessary to cut off the ground part during the period when the monard blooms en masse. You can take flower stalks for making bouquets at any time, as well as collect leaves for making tea.

Only a few have the opportunity to plant a lemon in their garden, but you can grow a lemon monard even in northern regions. And what is it, in fact, worse than a lemon? The aroma is citrus, lemon tea is brewed from it, it is used in cooking.

Somehow, passing by flower stalls that sell seeds, I saw a new plant. It was a monarda, but not a simple one, but a lemon one - its flowers are completely different. I looked at this bag and bought it.

She sowed the seeds for seedlings in March in ordinary purchased land to a depth of 1-1.5 cm and covered it with a film, at times she opened it for ventilation. The seeds sprouted together, and the seedlings looked like soldiers in the ranks. At first, the seedlings grew slowly, and then quickly began to gain strength. I planted it in open ground already at the end of April, because Monarda seedlings can withstand frosts down to -3.5 ?, and put a mini-greenhouse on top. In May, when it finally warmed up, I rented a greenhouse, and the plants began to grow very quickly. On the permanent place planted them at a distance of 20 cm from each other. Monarda lemon grows up to 70 cm in height, so I planted it with phlox, chamomile and echinacea.

Since there were a lot of seedlings, I planted them everywhere: both in the sun and in partial shade under the trees. And I noticed that sunny place monarda grows in breadth, and blooms longer and brighter in partial shade. The last seedlings were planted in rows with tomatoes, and the fruits of tomatoes grew strong and very tasty.

The lemon monarda blooms from June until the very frosts are very plentiful. purple flowers collected in inflorescences of 5-6 tiers. Similar to candelabra, the leaves are silvery gray, with a metallic sheen. During flowering, the monarda envelops the garden with a pleasant lemon aroma.

My lemon monarda bloomed in the first year. It propagates by dividing the bush, green cuttings. Cutting in water lasts up to two weeks and does not lose its appearance and aroma.

For the winter, I cut the monard under the root and covered it with dry leaves. In spring, it grows very early - at the end of March.

I use young leaves for tea and add to spring salads.

For the winter, I prepare raw materials in the flowering phase - the leaves at this time are very tender. I store in a tightly closed container until the next harvest.

I also use monarda in cooking: I put a sprig of the plant, along with leaves and flowers, in a jar when pickling cucumbers. It gives a special aroma to apple jam, compotes, jelly. Very tasty tea is obtained if you take 3 tsp for 1 liter of boiling water. black tea (unflavored), 3 tsp dried leaves and inflorescences of Monarda and 50 g of sugar.

Here it is - lemon monarda! Plant it in your garden.

According to the magazine "I love flowers"

Monarda is a representative of the Lamiaceae family, which got its name in honor of the botanist and doctor from Spain, Nicolas Monardes. This Spanish scientist first described the monard plant and told Europeans about it in his books " medical history Western India" and "Glad News from the New World", calling her a virgin soul mate or a Canadian organ.

The lemon flavor of Monarda has many advantages. With it, a person feels himself in a fresh and clean environment. Very attractive for any grower is the fact that many plants, which at the same time do not belong to citrus fruits, can fill his flower garden with this smell. Among them are lemon balm, lemongrass, some varieties of thyme and basil.

However, the aroma of Monarda has the most pronounced similarity with citrus, in addition, various shades are mixed in it. It is for this reason that in England it is called bergamot, and the official name of one of the species is pronounced as “lemon monarda”.

Monarda varieties and types

Monarda lemon has a size of 70-90 cm, although rare specimens can reach 100 cm in height. The stem is tetrahedral, erect, branched. The leaves of the plant are oval, elongated, with teeth. The flowers of the plant can have a diverse color palette: these are bright red flowers, and snow-white, and rich purple, and hot pink. The inflorescences are 6-7 cm in diameter. They grow on the stem one after the other.

Monarda double herbaceous perennial plant, which reaches a size of 0.7-1.5 m. The root is long, horizontal. The stem is tetrahedral, straight, has small hairs. The leaves are pale green with pink veins, oblong, have large teeth. The flowers are collected in a capitate inflorescence, have a lilac or purple hue.

Monarda bergamot The plant belongs to the mint family. The plant has a strong root, and resistance to all diseases and pests. It is used as a seasoning for meat, salads. Also used as a flavoring for making jams and many desserts.

Monarda hybrid this name links all hybrids of double and tubular varieties. This is a perennial with a height of up to 100 cm. The color of the flowers can be very diverse: from white to purple. Also, the size of the flowers is different: from small, collected in inflorescences, to large, single. Among the varieties of this hybrid there are a large number of sub-cultivars that differ in flowering density, shade of leaves, as well as flowers.

Monarda fistula this plant is also a perennial. Belongs to the family of yasnotkovye. It has a large number of branched stems, the height of which reaches 60-120 cm. The leaves have teeth. The flowers are lilac, have the form of small balls, the diameter of which is about 6 cm.

Monarda Cambridge Scarlet

The plant is a hybrid. Perennial, reaches a size of 80-100 cm. It has a long horizontal root, a straight stem. The leaves are pale green, opposite each other, have short petioles. The flowers have a rich red color, collected in a capitate inflorescence. All parts of the plant have a lemon-mint tart aroma. The plant is used both for medicinal purposes and as a seasoning. The variety is resistant to cold, as well as to diseases and pests.

Monarda Beauty of Cobham herbaceous perennial that has unique flowers. Belongs to the mint family. The height of the bush ranges from 700-900 cm, some specimens can reach up to 120 cm. The leaves are oblong with pointed tips. They are green in color and have a pleasant aroma. On the stem are located opposite each other in pairs. The flowers are small, have a pleasant aroma, collected in capitate inflorescences.

Monarda Pink Lace compact plant with pink, rather large flowers, collected in capitate inflorescences. The bush is undersized, only 40 cm tall. The plant is compact and suitable for growing in containers. All parts of the plant have a pleasant smell. Its leaves are used to make tea.

Monarda Cardinal herbaceous perennial plant. The stems are tetrahedral, the height of the bush is up to 150 cm. The flowers can be various shades, but they are all collected in capitate inflorescences.

Monarda citrodera this small plant, which reaches a size of 30-35 cm, has flowers collected in a dense plume. It has a pronounced aroma of bergamot. Used for growing in flower beds. The leaves are used as a spice.

Monarda perennial if you look at the plant from afar, it may seem that huge spiders with furry paws are sitting on the plant. This plant has flowers. All parts of the plant exude an unusual aroma, so they are used as a spice. Among other things, the flower looks gorgeous in bouquets.

Monarda Schnevitchen

Perennial, which has a long root, the stems of the plant are tetrahedral, reach a height of 150 cm. The flowers are white, collected in dense whorled inflorescences. Used for group plantings in flower beds, and also looks great in bouquets.

Monarda Panorama herbaceous perennial. The plant has the form of a bush with numerous straight stems. It is long lasting and abundant flowering. Large capitate inflorescences have a much ruffled appearance. The color is both pale pink and deep red. Gardeners appreciate the plant not only for its beauty, but also for its medicinal, as well as taste qualities. It is used to make tea. Looks great in a flower bed in group plantings.

Monarda Gadenview Scarlet reaches a height of about 100 cm, the flowers have a red tone. Used to decorate flower beds in group plantings, looks great in bouquets.

Monarda Pink Supreme the plant has the shape of a bush with a straight stem, the height of which is 70-120 cm, the stem is tetrahedral, the leaves have a pleasant smell.

Monarda Mohawk It is a herbaceous perennial with silvery green leaves and two purple-purple flowers. The height of the bush is about 100 cm.

Monarda Diana herbaceous perennial plant with a pleasant lemon scent. Forms bushes up to 45 cm in diameter. Small purple flowers collected in whorled inflorescences. Their appearance resembles candelabra. A distinctive feature of the hybrid is long and abundant flowering.

Monarda mahogany belongs to the family of yasnotkovye. Flowers have a pleasant color and attractive shape. The plant reaches a height of up to 110 cm. Distinctive feature hybrid is its powerful stem and small dark green leaves. The flowers are bright red, have a fairly strong aroma.

Monarda Fireball perennial rather unpretentious plant. The flowers have a dense spherical shape and an unusual wine-red hue.

Monarda planting and care in the open field

This flower grows best in the sun, but can grow in partial shade. True, in this case, its bushes will be lower, and flowering - less plentiful.

It is necessary to select a place for planting plants that will be well protected from the effects of winds, since the stems can bend and bend, losing their beauty.

On hot days, it is necessary to moderately water the monarda, in no case, not allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Also, the plant does not like overly dry soil.

To prevent the appearance of powdery mildew, it is necessary to water the plant in dry weather. If the summer turned out to be hot and dry, then it is recommended to mulch the soil with peat.

Bergamot garden is one of the varieties of Monarda. Grown at planting and care without special trouble, subject to the rules of agricultural technology. You can find all the necessary recommendations for growing and caring in this article.

Soil for Monarda

Monarda is not particularly demanding on soils, but still prefers light calcareous fertile soils. Doesn't do well on heavy, sour and swampy soils. It can also grow on poor soils, subject to constant feeding.

The soil for the future growth of the flower is prepared in the fall. The soil is dug up, weeds are removed and compost, manure or peat is added in the amount of 2-3 kilograms per 1 m2, superphosphate - 50 grams and potassium salt - 30 grams.

If the soil is acidic, then it is necessary to additionally add 40 grams of lime for each square meter. In spring, the soil is enriched with nitrogen fertilizer. Plants are planted at a distance of 60-70 centimeters between rows to provide enough free space for nutrition and growth.

Monarda fertilizer

Top dressing of the plant is carried out during the period of active growth and flowering. Also, the monarda needs additional feeding during the formation of new shoots and during the transition to a dormant period.

• In spring, the plant should be fed with a complex of mineral fertilizers. 12 days later, repeat the procedure.
• In autumn, the monarda is fed with potash and phosphorus compounds.
• During active growth, foliar top dressing is allowed. The leaves are sprayed with mineral fertilizers, as well as microelements.
• At excessively high air temperatures, the plant is treated with Epin's solution.

Monarda in winter

For the winter, the ground part of the plant must be completely cut off, and in the spring it will grow back.

The roots of the plant are frost-resistant and survive winters well without additional shelter.

Monarda growing from seeds

When growing monarda from seeds, they are sown in open ground in May to a depth of 1-2 centimeters. For one square meter, the consumption should be no more than 0.5 grams. In order to more evenly disperse the seeds, they are mixed with sand.

The seed germination temperature is 20 degrees. Monarda seedlings initially grow very slowly. It is necessary to constantly weed them, preventing weeds from drowning. Young plants are transplanted, first at a distance of 10 centimeters from each other, and then at 20. Grown from seeds, the monarda does not bloom in the first year.

If desired, seeds can be sown in March to obtain seedlings. The ascended monards, after two weeks, dive according to the 3 × 3 cm scheme. It can only be planted outdoors once the threat of frost has passed. The distance between plants in one row is 30 centimeters, and between rows - 60 centimeters. Be sure to water during planting.

Monarda reproduction by dividing the bush

For reproduction by dividing the bush, it is necessary to select a healthy plant, 3-4 years old. The bush is dug up and divided in the fall.

Each of the formed parts should have 3-4 shoots and roots. Delenki are planted, like seedlings, and watered several times.

Monardas also practice reproduction by segments of roots, considering this method the most effective.

Diseases and pests

When growing in a place that is too dry or overfertilized, the plant is affected powdery mildew. Rust damage may also occur.

For treatment, drugs based on copper are used. They are suitable only in the case of growing monarda for bouquets.

If the plant is eaten, then the processing is carried out natural remedies- infusions of onions, garlic or tansy. In general, the flower is quite resistant to both diseases and pests.

Monarda medicinal properties and contraindications

Monarda essential oil is very valuable medicinally, especially when it comes to monarda fistula, although the official and traditional medicine Almost all species and varieties of this plant are successfully used.

Almost all of its zones are endowed with healing qualities - flowers, foliage, shoots. These include strengthening immunity, toning the central nervous system helping to improve well-being in case of weakness and fatigue, relieve stress, get rid of depression.

At the same time, the substances that make up the oil (in particular, thymol) help the body resist aging, strengthen the walls of capillaries, stimulate the diuretic apparatus, favor the expansion of coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.

Monarda has long been used as a fragrant and healthy spice that improves digestive function. In summer and autumn, when canning takes place, its stems are placed in jars to prevent spoilage of the products they contain.

Lemon monarda is an excellent seasoning for salads, but, for the most part, it is used as a flavoring for tea, fruit drink or kvass in order to give drinks a delicate lemon-resinous aroma.

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This tall (up to 1.6 meters) plant from the Lamiaceae (or Lamiaceae) family can truly be called many-sided - the variety of species and varieties, the versatility of using it in the garden ...

Monarda ( Monarda) begins to bloom in July and ends during the first frost. The flowers are great for cutting. If the buds are not removed, by autumn they will become balls with dark-colored seeds that look decorative, they can be used in winter bouquets. The plant is famous for its unsurpassed mint-citrus aroma. Thanks to this, insects flock to the monard bushes, the plant is an excellent honey plant. And it can also be used in cooking and in the treatment of various diseases. Often this plant is mistakenly called bergamot.

In North America (where the monard comes from) there are about 20 species, in our conditions, the double monard is most often grown ( M. didyma), lemon ( M. citriodora) and piped ( M. fistulosa).

Where to plant a monarda?

A place for a plant is chosen depending on the species. A light shade is more suitable for a double monarda, and she likes the soil to be sufficiently moist. Monarda fistula prefers sunny places and is more drought-resistant. hybrid varieties planted depending on the relationship to a particular type of plant. But in any case, it is advisable to choose a place protected from the wind so that the shoots do not bend.

Monarda is not too demanding on the soil, but prefers light calcareous soils, does not tolerate acidic and marshy soils. It is better to prepare the place in the fall: when high level acidity, it is recommended to carry out liming (40 g of lime per square meter). After that, distribute manure, humus or peat (2 kg per square meter), potassium salt (20 g), superphosphate (40 g) over the ridges, dig and remove weeds. In the spring, especially on lean soils, organic matter is added. For 1 plant, the feeding area should be at least 30 * 70 centimeters.

Do not forget that the monarda is a large plant, it grows into a large curtain. They look good in separate groups, can be combined with, sage, yarrow, catnip, cereals. In order to preserve the decorative effect of the composition throughout the summer, low plants are planted around the monarda (it often has ugly shoots below it).

Monarda double "Scarlet" in garden design

Growing from seeds

Through seedlings in the middle lane, it is more reliable to grow a monarda than by direct sowing into the ground. Planted already in February, it happens that the seeds germinate for a very long time - up to 40 days. To bring this event closer, you must first soak the seeds in a solution of any stimulant (according to the instructions) or for a day in hot (about 60 °) water. And if before that you hold it for about a month (the temperature is a little more than 0 °) in cold store, not forgetting to periodically moisten the seeds, then shoots will begin to appear even earlier. At favorable conditions(temperature +16 - 21 °) the first shoots appear after 10 days. Now the air temperature should be lowered if possible (but not lower than + 15 °).

Seeds are laid out, falling asleep a little with soil. Approximately 3 weeks after the appearance of the first plants on the surface, the seedlings need to be thinned out (withstand a distance of about 5 centimeters) or the extra ones should be planted in separate glasses. At least once before planting, seedlings are fed with nitrogen fertilizers. They are transplanted into their place after 1.5 - 2 months.

In the southern regions, good results are obtained by planting in February immediately into the ground. Early spring planting is usually less successful. Usually the seed method is used to grow new varieties. And then, when the curtains grow, they use the method of dividing the bush in order to preserve varietal characteristics.

Monarda seeds

The division of the bush

The bush is usually divided in spring (it is also possible at the beginning of summer, but then the planted plants will need to be shaded and soil moisture monitored) for 3-4 years after planting. Each division should have 2 to 5 shoots and part of the root system. Once every 3 weeks, planted plants can be fed with any complex fertilizer. Do not forget about watering and loosening the soil.

If the curtains are not planted, for 5-6 years they begin to lose their decorative effect - the middle is exposed.

Other methods of reproduction

Sometimes self-seeding occurs. And you can also pin the shoots to the ground in the summer for rooting. After the appearance of the root system, the layer is separated from mother plant and transplanted.

Monarda self-seeding is possible

Care by the rules and without ....

Counts unpretentious plant. In the spring, you should treat the monarda with nitrogen fertilizers (you can use mullein 1/5) or mineral fertilizer(according to instructions). During a drought, it is necessary to water, in such weather it is even better to mulch with humus. But the culture does not tolerate excessive stagnation of moisture. Before flowering, you can feed with nitrophoska (per square meter - 30 g), after flowering is completed - with potassium magnesia and double superphosphate (per square meter - 30 and 20 g, respectively). Responds well to composting.

When preparing for winter, the shoots are cut off, and the place where the bush grew is covered with compost, although this crop is considered to be very frost-resistant and even winters without shelter in the Moscow region.

Diseases and pests

Susceptible to powdery mildew and fungal rust. As a preventive measure, keeping the soil moist in dry weather and preventing thickening of plantings.

Pests, due to its strong aromaticity, are rarely affected. Sometimes leaf beetles attack. If the plant is used in treatment and in cooking, chemical preparations should not be used in the fight against them.

Application in home cooking and treatment

How a medicinal plant was originally used by the indigenous people North America. In the 15th century, the monarda was described by Nicolas Monardes (Spanish botanist and physician) as exclusively useful culture. Even then, thanks to the amazing lemon flavor flowers, they were added when brewing tea. It turned out to be a very tasty and healthy drink.

It has now been proven that, in addition to the antipyretic effect, the monarda has an anthelmintic, antimicrobial, diuretic, antisclerotic, immunomodulatory effect. This plant is very effective for skin problems (including hair loss), to stimulate cardiac activity, strengthen blood vessels and relieve neurosis. An excellent prevention against influenza is an oil that has a very strong antibacterial effect. In order not to get sick, it is enough to arrange bowls with poured oil around the rooms. But during pregnancy, Monarda is contraindicated.

Leaves, shoots and flowers are a great addition to various dishes. They can be added to marinades, jellies, salads, first and second courses, sauces. By the way, the British include it in the most expensive teas.

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Planting and caring for the monarda (in short)

• Landing: sowing seeds in the ground - in the snow in February or autumn, immediately after collecting the seeds.
• Bloom: from July to the end of September.
• Lighting: bright sun or partial shade.
• The soil: light calcareous soils.
• Watering: frequent but moderate, in dry weather daily and copious.
• Top dressing: from mid-May to early autumn, once every two weeks with liquid mullein (1:10) or complex mineral fertilizers.
• Reproduction: cuttings or dividing bushes that have reached the age of three or four. seed method only species monarda can be propagated.
• Pests: aphids or weevils.
• Diseases: powdery mildew, rust, tobacco mosaic virus.

Read more about growing monarda below.

Monard flower - description

So, bergamot monarda is a perennial or annual rhizomatous plant with straight or branched stems up to one and a half meters high, with oblong-lanceolate straight serrated and often fragrant leaves, as well as small, fragrant two-lipped flowers of white, purple, red, yellowish color. , sometimes even speckled, collected in dense capitate or racemose inflorescences up to 6-7 cm in diameter, which are most often located one above the other on the stem. The fruit of the monarda is a nut, the seeds ripening in it remain viable for three years. Monarda is grown in one area for 5-7 years. Monarda attracts not only the color of flowers, but also amazing aromas. It is used as a spice in cooking, added to tea, and it is also good as a honey plant.

Growing monarda from seeds

Monarda sowing.

In the southern regions, monarda seeds are sown directly into the ground on the fine days of February, where they undergo natural stratification for two cold months, as a result of which friendly strong shoots appear already in April, which will only be thinned out. If there is snow on the site, remove it, cover the area with a film so that the earth warms up, then loosen the soil by adding upper layer a little sand and, mixing seeds with sand in a ratio of 1: 4, sow them. From above, the seeds are also slightly covered with sand. The depth of planting should be no more than 2.5 cm. It is possible to sow in the ground in the fall, immediately after collecting the seeds, and in the spring only shoot the seedlings, then in a year the grown and strengthened bushes will bloom. Monarda rises very slowly.

Monarda seedling.

However, most often the monarda is grown in seedlings. In order to get seedlings of monarda by spring, they are sown in January or February in boxes with soil for vegetable crops, covering the seeds by 2-2.5 cm, and placed in a greenhouse, maintaining the temperature under the film at least 20 ºC. Shoots appear in three weeks, and after another three weeks, the seedlings dive into containers according to the 3x3 or 4x4 scheme in order to increase the feeding area for them.

Landing monarda

When to plant Monarda.

Planting and caring for a monard in the open field are not difficult. Monarda prefers to grow in a sunny place protected from the wind, although it also feels good in partial shade. It is not picky about soils, but grows best on light, calcareous soils, and in damp and acidic soil Monarda develops poorly. It is best to plant a monarda in the spring, but the site for it is prepared in the fall: they dig it up, clearing weeds, and adding 2-3 kg of peat, manure or compost for each m², 20-30 g of potassium salt, 40-50 g of superphosphate and 40 g of lime. In the spring, before planting, 20-30 g of nitrogen fertilizer is applied to the soil for each m².

How to plant a monarda.

Two months after the emergence of shoots, when they have three pairs of leaves, the seedlings are planted on a prepared site at a distance of at least 60 cm from each other. Monarda planting ends with abundant watering. Lungs spring frosts up to -5 ºC seedlings tolerate painlessly. Monarda blooms from seeds usually only after a year, but when seedling method the most developed specimens may bloom as early as this year.

Monarda care in the garden

How to care for a Monarda.

Monarda needs frequent but moderate watering, especially during the hot season, otherwise there is a danger of powdery mildew disease of the plant. During the peak of the heat, daily watering may be necessary. In addition, in hot and dry summers, it is necessary to mulch the area with monarda with leaf humus or peat. Loosen the soil around the monarda bushes regularly and remove weeds. Growing monarda also provides for feeding the plant with granulated Kemira or Agricola every two weeks from mid-May to early autumn. Monarda also responds well to organic matter, for example, to mullein diluted in a ratio of 1:10. For preventive purposes, in the spring and autumn, the monarda is treated with foundationazole and copper sulphate.

Monarda breeding.

Since varietal characteristics are not preserved when growing monarda from seeds, it is most reliable to propagate varietal and species monarda by dividing three to four-year-old bushes. It is better to do this in April, when the soil warms up well, or in early autumn. The bush is dug up, the roots are cleaned from the ground under running water, divided into approximately equal parts, the cuts are processed with crushed coal and the delenki are planted in the holes prepared in advance. Be prepared for the fact that you will often have to deal with transplanting with dividing the bush, because literally in two or three years the delenki planted by you will grow up to a meter in diameter.

Monarda is also propagated with the help of cuttings 8-10 cm long, which are cut from green shoots before flowering. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, the upper ones are shortened by a third. Then the cuttings are planted in a box with wet coarse-grained river sand, cover with agril on top and place in a dark place. Rooting usually occurs within two to three weeks. In the second half of summer, the cuttings are planted in a permanent place.

Pests and diseases of Monarda.

Monarda is a plant resistant to any troubles, but with a chronic lack of water, it can get sick with powdery mildew. To avoid this, strictly observe the irrigation regime and be sure to mulch the soil in the area so that moisture does not evaporate from the soil so quickly. Sometimes a monarda becomes infected with a tobacco mosaic virus or rust, a weevil can settle on it, however, a developed and well-groomed monarda does not get sick, pests are repelled by the aroma of the monarda and the content of essential oils in its roots.

Monarda after flowering

How and when to collect monarda seeds.

Monarda seeds ripen in nuts in late August or early September. If you have a desire to do breeding work, you can collect them and immediately sow or grow seedlings that can be planted in the ground in the spring. And you can save the seeds in order to sow in a year or two, since the germination period of monarda seeds at proper storage three years. We remind you that the seeds of the varietal monarda do not retain their parental properties; only species plants are grown in a generative way.

Preparing Monarda for winter.

If you do not need monarda seeds, leave the fruits on the bushes - in the fall they will be very useful to hungry birds. The remains of annual species of monards are disposed of, and the site is prepared for a crop that will be grown in next year. Monarda is a perennial winter-hardy, it can withstand frosts down to -25 ºC, but if you are afraid that the winter will not only be cold, but also snowless, insulate the area with a thick layer of mulch or cover it with spruce branches.

Types and varieties of Monarda

The annual species of monarda grown in culture include:

Monarda lemon, or citrus (Monarda citriodora)

- the only annual plant in the genus with a height of 15 to 95 cm with lanceolate leaves and inflorescences of 5-7 whorls with small light or dark lilac flowers, the leaves, flowers and stems of which contain essential oil with the same components as basil, lemon balm and mint, and this allows you to use lemon monard not only as an ornamental, but also as a spice-flavoring plant;

Monarda hybrid Lambada (Monarda lambada),

bred in the Netherlands from crossing several species of the Citriodora group, the young leaves of which, like those of the citrus monarda, are distinguished by a strong lemon aroma;

Monarda point (Monarda punctata),

or horse mint , grown mostly not for the flowers, but for the beautiful, bright, salmon-colored leaves that surround the inflorescences. The plant reaches a height of 80 cm.

The perennial monarda is represented in culture by the following species:

Monarda double (Monarda didyma),

growing wild in the Great Lakes region. This is a herbaceous perennial, reaching a height of 80 cm, with a horizontal expanding rhizome and with four-sided, leafy, erect stems. Its leaves are opposite, short-petiolate, oval, serrated, pointed at the end, pubescent, green, up to 12 cm long, with reddish stipules. Flowers small, purple or lilac color collected in dense terminal capitate inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter. Large leaf-shaped bracts of almost the same shade as the flowers. In culture since 1656.

Monarda fistulose, or tubular (Monarda fistulosa)

grows naturally in the forests of eastern North America, in Europe it is grown mostly as an aromatic plant. It is a perennial with numerous stems, reaching a height of 65 to 120 cm, with simple toothed leaves, pubescent with fine hairs. The flowers of the monarda fistula are lilac, small, connected in false whorls surrounded by reddish stipules and collected in spherical capitate inflorescences. Each peduncle bears from five to nine inflorescences with a diameter of 5 to 7 cm. This species has been cultivated since 1637. There is a dwarf form of monarda fistula Victoria, bred in Russia.

Monarda hybrid (Monarda x hybrida)

combines forms and varieties bred in Germany, Great Britain and the USA with the participation of the monarda double and the monarda fistula. These are plants up to 100 cm high with flowers of various colors, for example:

• – violet-purple: Blaustrumpf, Blue Stocking;
• – purple: Fishey, Zinta-Zinta, Pony;
• – purple: Sunset, Prairie Glow, Cardinal;
• – red: Petit Delight, Cambridge Scarlett, Balance, Adam, Squaw, Mahogeny;
• – pink: Crately Pink, Croftway Pink, Rose Queen;
• – white: Snow Maiden, Snow White, Schneewitchen;
• – burgundy: Prairienaht, Burgundy Moldova;
• – lavender: Elsise Lavende.

Variety population Panorama is a plant with variously colored flowers - purple, white, burgundy, pink, scarlet and crimson.

Monarda properties

Medicinal properties of Monarda.

Monarda parts contain a very high content of essential oils, vitamins C, B1 and B2 and other biologically active elements, which allows it to be widely used in homeopathy. The most valuable product from monarda is essential oil, which has a broad spectrum bactericidal action, as well as reproductive, anti-stress, anti-anemic and antioxidant properties. Regular use of oil allows you to clear the aorta from atherosclerotic plaques, treats radiation sickness, flu and colds, strengthens the immune system and supports the body after chemotherapy. The use of monarda is shown for otitis, cystitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and digestive disorders. Monarda helps with diseases of the oral cavity, headaches, relieves foot and nail fungus. The plant is also in demand in cosmetology - it is included in creams for mature skin and in preparations for the care of oily and acne-prone skin.

Not only Monarda essential oil is popular, but also its leaves, which are added to tea, salads and soups. Monarda greens are prepared as side dishes for fish and vegetable dishes.

Monarda - contraindications.

Monarda is one of the most useful plants However, if consumed in excess, even it can be harmful to health. Monarda is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, children under 5 years old, and it is undesirable not only internal application, but also its use as a raw material for aroma lamps.

Only a few have the opportunity to plant a lemon in their garden, but you can grow a lemon monard even in the northern regions. And what is it, in fact, worse than a lemon? The aroma is citrus, lemon tea is brewed from it, it is used in cooking.

Somehow, passing by flower stalls that sell seeds, I saw a new plant. It was a monarda, but not a simple one, but a lemon one - its flowers are completely different. I looked at this bag and bought it.

She sowed the seeds for seedlings in March in ordinary purchased land to a depth of 1-1.5 cm and covered it with a film, at times she opened it for ventilation. The seeds sprouted together, and the seedlings looked like soldiers in the ranks. At first, the seedlings grew slowly, and then quickly began to gain strength. I planted it in open ground already at the end of April, because Monarda seedlings can withstand frosts down to -3.5 ?, and put a mini-greenhouse on top. In May, when it finally warmed up, I rented a greenhouse, and the plants began to grow very quickly. I planted them in a permanent place at a distance of 20 cm from each other. Monarda lemon grows up to 70 cm in height, so I planted it with phlox, chamomile and echinacea.

Since there were a lot of seedlings, I planted them everywhere: both in the sun and in partial shade under the trees. And I noticed that in a sunny place the monard grows in breadth, and in partial shade it blooms longer and brighter. The last seedlings were planted in rows with tomatoes, and the fruits of tomatoes grew strong and very tasty.

The lemon monarda blooms from June until the very frosts are very plentiful. Purple flowers are collected in inflorescences of 5-6 tiers. Similar to candelabra, the leaves are silvery gray, with a metallic sheen. During flowering, the monarda envelops the garden with a pleasant lemon aroma.

My lemon monarda bloomed in the first year. It propagates by dividing the bush, green cuttings. Cutting in water lasts up to two weeks and does not lose its appearance and aroma.

For the winter, I cut the monard under the root and covered it with dry leaves. In spring, it grows very early - at the end of March.

I use young leaves for tea and add to spring salads.

For the winter, I prepare raw materials in the flowering phase - the leaves at this time are very tender. I store in a tightly closed container until the next harvest.

I also use monarda in cooking: I put a sprig of the plant, along with leaves and flowers, in a jar when pickling cucumbers. It gives a special aroma to apple jam, compotes, jelly. Very tasty tea is obtained if you take 3 tsp for 1 liter of boiling water. black tea (unflavored), 3 tsp dried leaves and inflorescences of Monarda and 50 g of sugar.

Here it is - lemon monarda! Plant it in your garden.

According to the magazine "I love flowers"