Complete Guide to Wild Bergamot, Monarda Fistulosa

[@ProvidingResources]

Hands down the best video on Wild Bergamot. Thank you for taking the time to put together a detailed and informative video. You literally answered all of the questions I had about growing this plant. Thank you! Thank you! 💖💖

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@Gin0827]

It is relaxing listening to you describe your plants. Being a new subscriber, I cannot put into words how grateful I am. The education you bring is perfection!!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - thank you again Gin.

[@birdsflowers2289]

@@growitbuildit Have had seed stored in a sealed plastic bag or sealed jar not germinate. When I keep them in paper envelopes they seem to do better. Is it that seed need fresh air ?.

[@growitbuildit]

They need to be fully dry before sealing in something. Also keep out of sunlight

[@pamelacorsi]

I leave the seed heads on my Wild Bergamot. They look beautiful sticking out of the snow in the winter (Zone 6a) and I get more plants from self seeding every year. This year the flowers are a darker purple pink color, most likely because we have had a very rainy July and less sunny days. One of my favorite plants in my pollinator border!

[@growitbuildit]

I would love mine to be a little darker color. That is cool that you are noticing changes in color based on conditions. I notice different bloom times on other species, but generally don't see any color changes.

[@Gin0827]

Hello Pamela. I am a newbie to this channel. I have gardened a little most of my life but never had the time to plant flowers from seed other than zinnias. Annuals from always come from the local nursery. This is my first year winter sowing and trying Wild Bergamot and other naturalizing flower seeds. Do you direct sow or winter sow? I live in 6b. Springs are wet and windy. Summers are hot and humid. Thanks in advance to a response from anyone, 😉

[@JulieMikalson]

@@Gin0827 In 6b I'd stick with Winter Sowing, except for Calendula and others you can just toss seed heads where you want them to appear.

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

great in a vase, too!

[@marcyzahm4453]

One of the best channels on KZbin for accurate gardening information! Thank you for providing this for us-with so much to learn it’s great to find a channel with in depth factual information & the beautiful images representing the topic are a special bonus! Looking forward to what will post next!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Marcy! I try to make my videos as informative as I can!

[@BlissfulBombshells]

Okay, GESH!!! I can only have ONE New Medicinal Plant CRUSH at a Time❣‼️❣ Thanks for such beautiful, clear, & thorough information on all these plants! I started watching your videos to learn about pulling seeds from my purple cone flower. I have enjoyed watching & listening to many of your videos while pulling seeds & prepping other seeds❣ Thanks🌞🤙🏵🌿

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm happy you are enjoying our videos and really appreciate the kind words!

[@BlissfulBombshells]

@@growitbuildit Absolutely! Gave & Giving 👍to all your videos I watch! Also turning my Gardening group friends on to your channel!!! Your videos are well informed, beautiful, & I REALLY Enjoy the review at the end!!! Helps Me to memorize the info!!! 🌞💕

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much!

[@YourMom-kg1tb]

I come back to your channel again, and again for your comprehensive guides to certain plants that I am new to. Thank you for your extremely helpful content!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! I'll try to keep it up.

[@olgamunroe1408]

I am so grateful I found you! I sell vegetable and herb seedlings and getting ready to grow some pollinators. Your knowledge and detailed explanation is outstanding and exactly what I needed. Thank you!!🙏

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Olga! I'm glad you are finding it helpful

[@lavonnefitts5893]

Thanks for commenting on yellowing leaves and powdery mildew.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome

[@spikecandy2460]

I planted 3 wild bergamot seeds this year in April and 2 out of 3 are blooming in the first year. I was surprised. wasn't expecting to see flowers this year. Also I bought blunt mountain mint seeds from the east coast this year, I am in Washington state, and they are all blooming.

[@growitbuildit]

I've had other species of Monarda bloom first year if I had them transplanted early enough. But never had a mountain mint do the same - good work!

[@velerialangbehn6088]

Your videos are always so informative and interesting. Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Veleria!

[@michaelafraundorfer3514]

Great video! I just went to harvest some Wild Bergamot seeds today and I can't wait to plant next spring and get my prairie/meadow going. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos to see what other growing tips I can find!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - thank you Michaela and good luck on starting your meadow!

[@birage9885]

The best video I have seen on this plant, good job.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it

[@susanjannarone135]

One of the most informative and well organized KZbin videos I’ve seen. I’m putting in a 40x20 foot pollinator garden and earlier today watched a lady in a video chase her dog. I’ll plant as recommended tomorrow! Georgia rain in June.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Susan! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. Good luck getting your plants started!

[@bettyhouk8727]

First time I ever saw this plant was in Oklahoma ! It has a breath taking wonderful scent ,a beautiful flower !

[@growitbuildit]

They are excellent

[@katiekane5247]

Good to see you enjoying & promoting this great perennial plant.

[@growitbuildit]

It is such a valuable plant to so many pollinators. I think it belongs in everyone's garden. Or at least the ditch!

[@vivienrothwell9536]

Thank you for this great video. I live in Australia but hopefully will be able to track down this sensational plant . Sounds like it's just what the planet needs :)

[@heathermcerlean2851]

Thank you for this video. I have one of the plants here myself but it is slightly over 4 feet tall. The bottom leaves on mine tend to turn yellow and drop off as the blooms come. After the blooms are finished, we cut them off and the leaves start bushing out again. We have ensured that it doesn't spread though. Perhaps because ours is over 4 feet tall, it does tend to fall over a little in severe storms here. I love these plants. I use them in my Italian foods and make my own teas with it. I have chocolate mint growing fairly close by it. Wild Bergamot is one of my favorite plants. The smell of oregano comes from the thymol in the plant. Thyme has the same oil in it and all three have a similar taste and smell and can be used interchangeably ... even with the antiseptic qualities that they have.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Heather - I'm glad you liked the video. And I fully agree, Wild Bergamot is an awesome plant all around.

[@seamus6994]

Wish I had seen your channel a month ago. I bought tons of plants, bulbs and roots and seeds. An embarrassing amount of money was spent over the internet. And here I am watching your videos....... pulling up Amazon, Etsy and ebay to buy MORE seeds!!! I'm nuts! But great videos and information.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you again Seamus! I do pretty much all my seed buying in one or two shots in December/Jan, and then just Winter Sow the plants.

[@jamesmyers-k6v]

Just the type of info I need as a native plant grower. Thank you much!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome James!

[@adiposerex5150]

This plant is beautiful and produces free plants. A win win.

[@shirleymccarthy3634]

Great, informative video on Wild Bergamot. Thank you so much.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Shirley - glad you enjoyed it

[@VK-km2pb]

Thanks, Jim. This spring I bought a wild bergamot plant. Sadly we had bad drought in the Northeast, less than 2 inch in the last 2 months. So the young plant is not gaining much bulk or height but looks very healthy. I had another before but decide to separate it from eupatorium x Chocolate. It looked amazing blossoming among darker foliage. Thanks for the tutorial. Really enjoying Growit Buildit flower info.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome VK! Glad your plant is doing well despite the drought. It's been brutal.

[@anafindlay1696]

Awesome presentation as always, thank you Joe🦋🌸🐛❤️

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Ana!

[@gnarmarmilla]

Thank you so much for this video. I love these flowers. I have been calling my Bee Balm "wild Bergamot" so thanks much for that. Something tells me if you saw the glory of the prairies that were wiped out by narrow-minded and nearsighted farmers and deforesters you would be saying, "this must be one of those flowers that made North American prairies famous in Europe to nature lovers before the destruction of the 19th and 20th centuries was complete."

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - I would LOVE to have seen endless prairie. I've seen some 'preserves' that have most or all of the same plants. But it would have been quite a sight to see the Cup and Compass Plants bending down as buffalo moved over them, and endless blooms from Spring to Summer.

[@otsparkle1]

This is so, so helpful. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - I'm glad you found it helpful. Good luck this season!

[@almahelenbrooks4113]

very good information about wild bergamot ; thank you very much

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Alma

[@patrickbowen5398]

Another great video! Very informative, enjoyed watchihng this. Beautiful plant to grow. Thanks again for this ....

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you again Patrick. This is an awesome plant to grow.

[@patrickbowen5398]

@@growitbuildit I have about 10 herb plants coming that I am going to try to keep alive indoors until next Spring. Wish me luck!

[@growitbuildit]

That may be tough! I would probably try to overwinter the cold hardy ones in the garage.

[@kristeetrisler4942]

Ordered seed from a local company. Looking forward to this spring

[@growitbuildit]

You're going to love this flower. One of the best for bringing in pollinators.

[@kristeetrisler4942]

I felt blessed to have a few honey bees assisting me with gardening last year. I am allergic to yellow jackets BUT these were so sweet as they followed. My son's fear of bees greatly reduced by them. My bee balm took off at its new location. That video helped a ton thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - I'm happy to hear that. Regarding bees, I spend a lot of time around flowers (obviously), and the only time I ever get stung is if I go tromping through a meadow and accidentally step on a nest (they seem to always sting me in my calves). If you are just casually observing a flower garden, they never attack. And I get very close with a camera.

[@thelatebloominggardener2479]

You have the most informative videos I have ever seen! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Lisa! I'm glad you are finding them helpful.

[@penny1295]

Thanks,so happy I found your channel.so interesting sndinformative!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Penny!

[@99thmonkeyresonance66]

You may have answered this in the video but, does one or both "like" a more acidic soil?! Thank you so much for all the work, effort & energy that you have put into your blog & videos! Besides TheRustedGarden, (UNTIL or UNLESS others begin to realize..) your channel & Gary's- are the only references I use almost religiously, in a digital format! (Mainly because you've both, in some way- gone back to the fundamentals/soil/base levels OF gardening. *AND* you keep MOST things in mind, religiously!) Humbly, 10/10 ☆'s across the board!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Xo_Xo - in general most native plants will like soil a bit acidic - anywhere between 6-7 should be just fine. My soil is around 6.8 if I remember correctly. Now that is a true compliment to be put into the same category as Gary. Thank you so much Xo_Xo. I try to keep my information comprehensive but practical. I really appreciate the kind words!

[@augustlongpre64]

Hey, love your videos and really appreciate your approach! I just wanted to comment on how important it is to avoid fixing native Americans in the past by always using past tense to describe what they “used to do”. There are so many native people alive today who carry on their traditional life ways as best they can while living under the settler state.

[@charlesburkhart800]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Charles

[@melissamybubbles6139]

How lovely. I had avoided planting this because I was afraid of aggressive spreading. I wonder if it would look good with one or more of the following: cosmos, rocky mountain bee plant, purple coneflowers, non-native cleome, helianthus annus, prairie smoke, or California poppies?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - they look good with Echinacea for sure, they are usually done blooming when Helianthus annus blooms. They should be much taller than Prairie Smoke, and I think they bloom after Prairie smoke as well. They do bloom concurrently with Common Milkweed, False Sunflower, and I think they overlap with Cup Plant as well. I've got a list of companion plants here - growitbuildit.com/monarda-fistulosa-wild-bergamot/#uses

[@melissamybubbles6139]

@@growitbuildit Thank you!

[@marvinthomason8540]

Amazing information. New to your site. I can see I need to research your videos before I pester with more questions. Just so excited and impatient to get to the planting stage. Have almost all of card boards down, getting ready to add leaves. I want to jump ahead and see the beautiful flowers! Mary

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Mary - we have more profiles on our site than we have videos, as we generally grow plants for a couple years before making a video so we can really evaluate it. But you may find some other interesting plants there as well as some other resources like where to find native nurseries, etc. Email with any specific questions - you can click on the 'about' tab on my channel, and there you can reveal an email address.

[@danplantman62]

The tag on my 4in pot said Bee Balm.Last yr it spread about a ft around and was short but didn't bloom,This yr it has spread and is now 6ft tall and bending with flowers. It's looks just like this wild bergamot.

[@growitbuildit]

The common names on the Monarda genus are a mess....

[@gregmansker6176]

Really enjoyed this and other videos you made. As a Master Gardener I plan to show one of your videos at our next meeting along with your info for others to follow you. Is there a way to view this at our meeting without the Ads? Don't want to pay to get this done. Thanks again for your work here.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Greg - click on the 'about' tab of my channel, and then you can find an email address for me. Shoot me an email with when it is and what video you are interested in, and I will see if we can get it done.

[@danmrachko7897]

This video has high production quality. The slow motion footage of the hummingbird moths alone is fantastic.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Dan - I really appreciate you noticing! There were many hours of footage on the cutting floor, so to speak.

[@TrickleCreekFarm]

I’m curious if you can winter sow the seeds by your described method (on another video) to get it to flower the first year. I notice someone mentioned having success with hollyhock that way and I remember reading that years ago, but couldn’t remember the method! Lol, grateful to have made that connection on your platform and that stirs greater potentials in my mind as I’m going through my seed list…

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - I have never had this specific species bloom the first year, but it may be possible if you get them transplanted early. Other species of Monarda genus will bloom the first year (Spotted beebalm).

[@debbiehall6616]

Thank you Pray people pray

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome - good luck.

[@TheSuburbanGardenista]

Such a great video - thanks for all the great info! Lovely shots too!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@SStreeguy]

Very informative!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Webb!

[@lukedolan4530]

Thanks Joe! I have two of these plants and they are at the front border this year and blew over in a storm. I staked them and they look good. I got room in front so I’m going to plant maybe some Asters and hopefully that gives them a bit more “shelter” to not blow over.

[@growitbuildit]

That is too bad they blew over. But glad they didn't snap off. What kind of soil do you have? I'm curious, as I've had to fight plenty of plants blowing over, but this one just stands up tall no matter what in my garden.

[@lukedolan4530]

@@growitbuildit they were still alive and fine but I have hard pack backfill clay (suburban) but I amended where these are planted into a rain garden so actually it’s now really soft clay/pine fines and maybe it was too soft. These plants seems like true prairie plants and the ground underneath was maybe too soft. They also were the tallest and right on the front line to blow over where they did. This is why I think I need to plant some other perennials in front to shelter them

[@lukedolan4530]

@@growitbuildit and just by the way where I live in Cincinnati Purple Cone Flower is the strongest by far. That must be the toughest prairie plant! I have purple cone going 5 feet no joke. Also the bears tongues look super good. It’s only been a year, just some observations from SW OH

[@michaelkarr4588]

Thanks for great video,I'm getting ready to go harvest seed heads.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - I'm sure you are going to get a lot of seed. Good luck Michael.

[@bubblesmckenzie4125]

I love your channel. ❤️ I thought all bee balm was the same, thanks for the education. I have didyma which is very beautiful and was full of pollinators. I got some seed heads of this plant wild bergamot and sowed them and should have flowers for next year can't wait.

[@growitbuildit]

Cool - I've got some form of Monarda blooming most of the year. Starting with didyma, to fistulosa, and then to punctata. It is really a great flower to have around.

[@plainmom2]

What is the beautiful fern looking leaf surrounding the bergamot at time stamp 5:56 on your video? Love the change in texture and would like to add it to my garden. Thank you for putting out great content 😊

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - that would be the Partridge Pea. See here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3rWaaWCm9umgdU

[@dianegiordano7365]

Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Diane.

[@julielarry3551]

What a terrific video. How invasive is bergamot? I’d love to plant some under my pear tree to attract pollinators.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Julie, in my experience it isn't very invasive. I have about 4-5 plants growing (that I know of) that were volunteers. In my experience, it can easily be managed by pulling any unwanted plants.

[@christophertaylor9826]

Great video going to buy some seed for next year plants. Every informative video thanks informative video ,thanks.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Christopher - you're going to love this flower.

[@brookesurlet9753]

I have a second year plant that I am anxious to see bloom! I cut it back in May to keep it shorter 🤞🏻

[@growitbuildit]

Cutting it back is a nice trick for some species. I should try that with a few of mine to prolong the blooming.

[@mirianhashimoto7754]

Thank you for this great video! I nature lover! Your garden is a piece of paradise! I growing wild bergamot. .y question is can be mix white color and the pink one. I growing separately because I heard the white one is more sensitive. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Mirian - I think the white one would work best with the red one, as they are found in similar eco systems. Both Monarda didyma (red) and M. Clinopodia (white) like moist open woods/woodland edges, and moisture. This one, Monarda fistulosa will do best in exposed, full sun.

[@alice_rabbit8345]

I wish I had more sunny space for these!

[@growitbuildit]

That is tough not having enough sun. So many flowers really need it to bloom big.

[@alice_rabbit8345]

@@growitbuildit I have a long narrow yard with a tree in the center. So there’s sun at either end. Never say never though!

[@Raquel-x9l]

Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome!

[@kseibert60]

Great video, can you start this plant in a flower box?

[@growitbuildit]

Yes Lausi, you can start it in a flower box. Just know that it will want to grow pretty tall, and even in a smaller pot it will grow 2' perhaps. So, it can be prone to tipping over if the soil dries out. Also, it may not reliably survive the winter outside in a container depending on how cold it gets.

[@critterjon4061]

Worked in the prairie restoration business and I always thought the be balm flowers smelled like Italian seasoning blends

[@growitbuildit]

I agree with you 100% Jon. I've had people ask to identify seed heads, and these and mountain mints can look similar. So I just tell them to go crush some of the leaves and smell it.

[@debc4917]

Hi! Do I cut the plant down to the bottom after the season is done or early Spring? Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - You can cut them back when they go dormant. It is better to leave at least 6" of stalk standing, as bees may use it for nest sites. I explain it here, see number 3 - growitbuildit.com/6-reasons-to-not-clean-up-garden/

[@patblack2291]

Last year I planted M fistulosa seeds that were literally decades old and they germinated just fine! Do you have experience dividing this plant? It's so easy from seed but it would be nice to have more plants in bloom this second year, instead of starting more seeds. None bloomed year 1.

[@growitbuildit]

I do actually - when you see the plant just begin to emerge, you can break off shoots with a bit of root and pot them up, or plant them somewhere else. It's pretty simple.

[@growitbuildit]

Also - if you divide significantly, it may not bloom much in year 2

[@kg1703]

Great video!! Should I cut the stalks down in the fall? (zone 4)

[@growitbuildit]

You can certainly cut them back when dormant. I just leave mine up until Spring

[@dustyrelic25]

The wild bee balm I find here has purple flowers... But it's stacked. Just not red.

[@growitbuildit]

Possibly monarda cirrodida

[@eileenanders]

thanks for this great video...do you cut spent the branches in the fall?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Eileen. You can do that once it goes dormantin Autumn. I usually wait until insects emerge in Spring.

[@ImpatientGardenerOhio]

When and how do you cut it back after it is done blooming for the year? And how far do you cut it back

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Chris - I actually don't cut it back until the Spring. Sometimes you get some insects over-wintering in the stalks, so I wait until temperatures warm up. But you can cut it back as soon as the stalk/leaves are brown and dormant. So, usually around October/November where I live in zone 6. Just cut it back to ground, removing the stalks. New ones will shoot up next Spring.

[@christinezimmerman6914]

What can be done about the powder mold? The only ones I can find have it. Is that mold harmful for using medicinal ?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - I really don't think I can answer your question. I've not used the plant medicinally, and am not sure how powdery mildew would effect that or what the risks may be.

[@robinmccown6710]

Can oil be made from that wild bergamot

[@growitbuildit]

There are some oils extracted from the flower, namely Thymol, which has several uses. I have those linked in my article on this flower. But although this flower is commonly known as 'Wild Bergamot', it is not the same plant that is used for extracting 'Oil of Bergamot', which is a citrus fruit native to Europe/Asia.

[@chaseakins3440]

Could you tell me what the plant is along the wood line with the tall yellow spires is in your deer footage at 4:15? I want it!

[@growitbuildit]

That would be Carolina Bushpea. It's not native to my region, so I deadhead the seed heads each year. It gets very large, and flowers in mid to late Spring. The foliage looks a lot like Blue False Indigo.

[@chaseakins3440]

@@growitbuildit I didn't realize they got that tall. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

@chaseakins3440 you are welcome!

[@mariaimre5199]

Hi, I am living in Florida zone 9B. I planted wiled bergamot in January 3rd in growing cells. When they grow the first true leaves and they become too leggy I plant them in a bigger pot in organic soil. They are still so tiny. Seems to me they are not growing. They grew two more pair of leaves but still to small. My question is, should I replant them into a more sandy soil? Are they growing this slow? I knew they are not native to Florida, but I tough I give a try. Please let me know your thoughts when you have a chance. Thank You!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - leggy seedlings are usually caused by no wind, and not enough sun. Can they be placed outside in morning sun/afternoon shade? The gentle breeze will help strengthen the stalk. Also, single plants per pot will get larger.

[@mariaimre5199]

Thanks!@@growitbuildit

[@caroleshaw8389]

Should the growth be cut back at the end of the season?

[@growitbuildit]

You can do that, or leave them up until Spring. I leave mine up, as they are in the back, and sometimes bees or other insects burrow in the stems.

[@mitchellbell713]

I have been collecting native flower seed this summer and fall. I want to produce plugs in large quantities. Can you recommend products and equipment I may need?

[@growitbuildit]

I would go check out Greenhousemegastore - I buy from them once every couple years. But you will want trays, cages to go around the trays, and pots. They also have domes for winter sowing. For potting soil, the best you can buy is ProMix in my opinion too.

[@mikkelsv4804]

Thanks for a great video! I've definitely heard people mix up the common names and it really does get confusing. I've got a somewhat random question. I'm trying to learn more about Tennessee natives, but properly identifying them is the hardest part. In the background of the video at 6:47 there is a low plant with lots of yellow flowers. Would you mind sharing what that plant is? Do you have a profile on it?

[@growitbuildit]

I've got you covered - it's my latest video. The Partridge Pea. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3rWaaWCm9umgdU

[@GhostOfCannae]

I own several acres in western PA right alongside a large creek. The area has been decimated with Japanese knotweed. Just found your channel tonight researching competitive perennials! I’ve made a list from your channel. You think it may help compete against knotweed over time?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - I have zero direct experience with controlling Japanese Knotweed. But from what I've read I think you will have to put 100% of your effort into killing the Knotweed before any real restoration can happen. The Japanese Knotweed is just too aggressive. Because it sends runners out 20-30' it must be dealt with before anything will have a chance at competing with it. There is a facebook group you should take a look at. They have lots of experienced people in habitat restoration on a large scale - Invasive Plant ID & Removal In The United States, Canada, and Mexico. facebook.com/groups/1474592892824449

[@loloholmes2793]

This plant is Juglone tolerant.

[@jeffross9620]

Joe, Thanks for all of your great information. Whenever you mention the words "dry soil" or even "dry to medium," my ears (eyes) perk up because I live in the desert and I am always looking for new plants to try. 1 - Do you think this will grow in the Arizona desert given enough water? My main concern is the sun's scorching rays! 2 - I have zero problem with powdery mildew now. Do you think it will it spread to my other plants should it occur? Thanks for your consideration.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Jeff - I've got some good news. This plant is native to all but the Western-most counties in Arizona. See the BONAP image I'll link to below. The fluorescent green color indicates that it is native to the county. So it looks like it can grow in just about all of Arizona. bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Monarda%20fistulosa.png

[@jeffross9620]

@@growitbuildit Any thoughts about the powdery mildew issue, i.e. spreading to my other flowers?

[@growitbuildit]

I think powdery mildew is just kind of around, and either flowers are susceptible to it, or they are not....with lots of variation as to how noticeable it is. I don't notice it on other flowers that are next to or adjacent to mine (Ironweed, Joe-Pye, Echinacea, Partridge Pea). There are some remedies that can be tried. As I said in the video, I've never tried them. But I've heard people swear that spraying with milk helps, or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution.

[@Tracymw99]

So dont winter sow?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - Winter sowing is not required for this species. But, Winter Sowing will not hurt it either. So, if you plan on growing it, you can Winter Sow it right along with everything else.

[@alessandrofionda8272]

I have the fistulosa one in a large pot but snails continue to eat the stems....

[@growitbuildit]

Strange - lots of humidity I guess. Can you get it to more sun?

[@alessandrofionda8272]

@@growitbuildit yes of course, I live in south Italy, I don't have problems with the amount of sun, but now it's raining and very often they're chopped down directly in the stems by these slugs 😕

[@privateperson5769]

do bees like both types ?

[@growitbuildit]

They really like this one, and Spotted Bee Balm. Bees are mostly unable to pollinate red beebalm, Monarda didyma

[@CatchMOFish]

Have always been confused about the names being interchanged between the two

[@growitbuildit]

It's easy to get them mixed up. All the hybrids and cultivars nurseries sell make it even worse. The multi-colors, different heights, spread vs no-spread - really muddies the water.

[@ednajensen3164]

I bought a Live Blue Moon Monarda Beebalm, is it the same as this? The color of the flower is pink.

[@growitbuildit]

I believe that one is a hybrid, but I have no idea which Monarda it originates from.

[@ednajensen3164]

@@growitbuildit Thank you for the info. I will keep following your channel so I will learn a lot more about Monarda. I love the smell of the plant and its flowers.

[@farstrider79]

Ive tried growing this in two different places in my yard, both times is was overrun with powdery mildew. I dont think its for me🤷‍♂️

[@growitbuildit]

There are some cultivars that are supposed to be resistant to powdery mildew. I can't recall them at the moment though. I just let it go.

[@farstrider79]

@@growitbuildit The last patch that I tried was around my mailbox, looked terrible. There seemed to be a random verbena seed in the pack that popped up with them, it did really well, might plant more of it. Trial and error, trial and error........

[@warp9p659]

It will grow much taller than 4 ft. It's been 7 ft in my garden.

[@growitbuildit]

Wow - I've never seen it get more than 5'. That is crazy.

[@warp9p659]

@@growitbuildit, yes I have it planted around my chicken pen run, which is 7 ft high. Part of the plant reached to the top of the pen this summer.

[@jonhohensee3258]

Why does the side of the pot say "Monarda fit."?

[@growitbuildit]

Abbreviated the latin name 'Monarda fistulosa'

[@jonhohensee3258]

@@growitbuildit - So where's the "s"?

[@jonhohensee3258]

@@growitbuildit - The full name is not "Monarda fitulosa".

[@myklconjuay3637]

Why am I watching this? I live in one of the three states where it isn't found.

[@growitbuildit]

Because it is such an awesome beautiful pollinator magnet?

[@damintten]

When your trying to turn your grass into native flowers and you have no idea what's native and not, and your having to buy native plants and nursing them to grow well you pull Asian/European invasive's guise ya gotta start a new world some where;)

[@growitbuildit]

How you clear the ground is critical. If it is turf grass, then using a shovel to completely remove sod pads (or sod cutter) works well. The cardboard/mulch method works great for keeping invasives down (that are already present). If a forest/wild area....it is just tough. Need to grow the plants big in pots, then transplant in Fall, hoping they will come back bigger next year. And make sure you don't pull them as weeds later on!

[@kathiejarvis9859]

7i

[@jeffburke170]

LOL " you will thank me for growing it" I will also thank you for high quality, info-dense, foofoo-free vids on native plants that I am currently binge watching.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Jeff - That is the style of video I strive for. I don't want to waste anyone's time when they are searching for information.

[@venicelight1320]

Thank you for this totally informative, beautifully photographed and inspiring video! Looking forward to planting Wild Bergamot!

[@growitbuildit]

It is a heck of a plant. It really is that busy with pollinators as you saw in the video. You'll love it Venice.

[@Herculesbiggercousin]

I can’t believe with how much time on KZbin and in the garden that I spend, that I haven’t come across this channel until now. This is the best in depth video on a native plant species that I’ve seen on a while, thank you sir!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Hercules! I'm glad you found me and are liking my videos.

[@hannspencer]

I agree! I was just going to post that...I saved this one for sure and will keep subscribed to this channel.

[@Latebloomershow]

Yes, I agree! Just wondering about use in earl grey tea. Or did I miss it? I have it growing wild.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi @Latebloomershow, I did not address using the leaves for tea. That is a topic I haven't explored with this plant yet

[@kathleenebsen2659]

Thank you for all the information. Wild bergamot grows wild on my land. I make herbal tea with the leaves. It tastes like oregano with an aftertaste of mint. It’s lovely!

[@growitbuildit]

You're welcome Kathleen - I've not tried the tea but I could see it being quite good.

[@sislertx]

Do u grow goldenrod...it is one of the toughest to get going....inhave yet to have ONE sprout...i am again collecting seed..i also have a hard time with milkweed .all of them...tho inhave never done swamp as i have zero wet ground..lol...texas...ya know

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - I have germinated several species of Goldenrod. The key is to Winter Sow it, and plant it on the surface. I have written the steps to germinate in an article. It is for Canada Goldenrod, but the same process is for all Goldenrods. I will also give you an article on germinating Milkweeds. I've grown hundreds of plants using these exact steps - growitbuildit.com/canadian-goldenrod-solidago-canadensis/#germinate growitbuildit.com/germinate-milkweed-seeds-step-by-step/

[@HandcraftedintheFoothills]

You have some of the most in depth videos on KZbin! You totally deserve way more subscribers! Awesome. Will share with my gardener friends

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you are enjoying them!

[@lisabevans8107]

Is this the plant you get oil of bergamot from?

[@growitbuildit]

"Bergamot Oil" is actually from a different plant altogether. But there are essiential oils from Monarda fistulosa that are sold for general anti-bacterial, anti-viral or fungal.

[@KyrenaH]

Nope, bergamot oil comes from a fruit that is also called bergamot or citrus bergamia.

[@pinkrisa2941]

I’m growing this for the first time from seed and have been looking for a detailed video like that that shows me what it looks like in a garden so I can plant it in the best place! Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - you're going to love this flower!

[@viviarango4784]

Some insect ate practically all the leaves the first night I planted it! How can I protect her until she is an adult? 😮

[@LINativePlantConservation]

I just started seeds

[@Spencerrcr]

2:22 Wait, they're the same genus, it's just different species..It's like comparing Acer palmatum to Acer rubrum, so I can understand why people still call it bee balm. Still why I have a dislike for common names haha

[@growitbuildit]

It's a nightmare in online discussions. Everyone has their own common name that usually refers to 2-3 species. Often it is regional differences too.

[@jimtalcott4009]

Best channel I’ve viewed. Concise is an understatement. Much appreciated, Sir

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you very much Jim - I'm happy you are enjoying my videos.

[@universalchiro]

When and how to trim Wild Bergamont? Great video. Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

You can cut it back to ground in the fall.

[@vivihumusic]

So informative 🎉

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@Cathy_MidwestHome_Hens]

I believe I have monarda didyma (looks exactly like what you showed) and it’s covered in bumblebees every single day and today i had two tiger swallowtail butterflies on it for quite a long time 😊

[@growitbuildit]

That is interesting - I almost never see bumblebees on my Monarda didyma. But I will see them covering Monarda fistulosa, as you could see here.

[@crisscristea4876]

Your channel is awesome! Was digging up roadside milkweed 2 weeks ago & came across this plant but didn't know what it was & really liked the height of it so took it as well. Thanks to you I know what I got & how to care for it, Hooray Wild Bergamot!!!!!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Criss! Wild Bergamot is a great plant. You will love it.

[@laurielyon1892]

I had gotten a cutting of it from my friend last year. This year it bloomed like crazy!! It has made it a little hard to get near my other herbs in the garden because I don't want to get stung. The yellow jackets don't seem to upset about me being there, but the wasps and hornets I do NOT trust!

[@growitbuildit]

If you are worried about the wasps, then don't grow Mountain Mint. Mine is crawling with them. But it is a great flower.

[@LeeHill66]

I found White Bergamot in the wild today. Would it have the same properties and medicinal uses?

[@growitbuildit]

I don't really go into medicinal/herbal uses, but if it is the correct species, then yes.

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

Very thorough. I subscribed. I am in 9b. Mine grows well but I haven't seen it bloom. Just starting year 2.

[@growitbuildit]

It should bloom this year for sure. You will love it