• Lemon mint herb with pale purple flowers Herbe de menthe citronnée aux fleurs violet pâle
  • Lemon mint herb with aromatic foliage Herbe de menthe citronnée au feuillage aromatique
  • Fresh lemon mint plant in the garden Plante de menthe citronnée fraîche dans le jardin
  • Lemon bee balm with vibrant blossoms Mélisse citronnée aux fleurs vibrantes
  • Herbaceous perennial lemon mint flowers Fleurs herbacées vivaces de menthe citronnée
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JNB Seed

Lemon Mint Seeds

Lemon Mint Seeds

$4.50 CAD
$4.50 CAD
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Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora) is an heirloom herb celebrated for its invigorating lemon fragrance and captivating purple blooms. Perfect for cultivation indoors or outdoors, lemon mint thrives under ample sunlight and in well-draining soil. Throughout the growing season, harvest its leaves to enhance culinary creations or to harness its natural insect-repelling properties. Lemon Mint stands out as an exceptional choice for luring pollinators to your garden, with its radiant flowers attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thereby aiding in the pollination of surrounding flora.

Vibrant & Invigorating - Lemon Mint, also recognized as lemon bee balm or lemon horsemint, is esteemed for its zesty, citrusy aroma and taste. This enduring herb showcases delicate pale purple blossoms and vibrant green foliage, flourishing both indoors and outdoors, whether planted in the ground or in containers. Culinary and Therapeutic Herb - This edible herb is a beloved ingredient in a variety of culinary delights and herbal teas, imparting a refreshing essence to salads, accompaniments, and sweets. Renowned for its soothing and calming properties, lemon mint is frequently incorporated into traditional medicinal remedies.

While not as potent as peppermint, this herb emits a distinctive herbal scent with subtle citrus undertones, making it a sought-after addition to flower and herb gardens worldwide. Adored by butterflies and hummingbirds, its lavender-hued flowers offer a delightful spectacle in any garden setting. Despite not belonging to the mint family, this herb exudes a unique herbal fragrance with citrus nuances. With its leaves containing citronellol, the essential oil derived from this plant possesses insect-repelling qualities. The genus Monarda pays homage to the Spanish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes, renowned for his studies of North American herbal and medicinal plants during the 16th century. Meanwhile, the species name "citriodora" derives from Latin roots signifying "having a citrus aroma."


How To Grow

Sowing: Plant the seeds directly onto the soil surface in early spring, ensuring they receive ample light for germination. Maintain slight moisture in the soil until germination occurs, typically within 10-20 days at temperatures ranging from 15-21 degrees Celsius. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough, either thin them out or transplant them to allow for wider spacing. For an earlier start, initiate indoor seeding 6-8 weeks before the final frost and later transplant the seedlings outdoors.

Growing: Water the seedlings until they establish themselves, being cautious not to overwater. Mature plants exhibit excellent drought tolerance, although occasional watering during extremely dry conditions is beneficial. In favorable environments, these plants tend to self-seed abundantly and are highly appealing to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Additionally, deer typically avoid grazing on this plant.

Harvesting

These flowers serve as an exceptional option for both fresh arrangements and dried floral displays. Opt for stems with freshly opened blooms for fresh arrangements, ensuring to remove any foliage that may submerge beneath the water level in a vase.

Seed Saving

Once the flower spikes begin to dry and take on a brown hue, harvest them and spread them out to dry thoroughly. Afterward, thresh the dried spikes to extract the seeds. Alternatively, gently shake the mature seed heads over a container to collect the seeds; repeat this process daily until all seeds have matured. Store the seeds in a cool, dry location for future use.

Extra Facts

Common Names: Lemon Mint

Latin Name: Monarda citriodora

Species Origin: North America

Type of Seed: Herbaceous perennial

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 5-9

Planting Method: Direct sow or transplant

Sunlight: Full sun

Height: Up to 60 centimeters

Color: Pale purple flowers

Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer

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