A floral arrangement of Spotted Bee Balm in a glass vase with garden scissors on a white background.
A close-up macro of Spotted Bee Balm on a light background.
A smiling girl holding a posey of Spotted Bee Balm.
A close-up detailed view of single Spotted Bee Balm flower blooms in the gardens at Baker Creek.
Spotted Bee Balm blooms abundantly at the Baker Creek farm.
A close-up of Spotted Bee Balm growing in the gardens at Baker Creek in Mansfield, Missouri.
A floral arrangement of Spotted Bee Balm in a glass vase with garden scissors on a white background.
A close-up macro of Spotted Bee Balm on a light background.
A smiling girl holding a posey of Spotted Bee Balm.
A close-up detailed view of single Spotted Bee Balm flower blooms in the gardens at Baker Creek.
Spotted Bee Balm blooms abundantly at the Baker Creek farm.
A close-up of Spotted Bee Balm growing in the gardens at Baker Creek in Mansfield, Missouri.

Bee Balm Seeds,
Spotted

4.413 ReviewsSKU: #HB278Min. seed count: 100
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Description

(Monarda punctata). A unique pagoda-style bloom that people and pollinators equally love! While the flowers of this plant are usually yellow with maroon splashes, the real show is in the powdery pink leaf-like bracts. Great for deer-resistant and low-maintenance gardens. It contains more of the beneficial aromatic thymol than other members of the mint family, making it useful in medicinal preparations. During flooding and drought conditions, this plant shines and has been called the toughest plant in the garden.

Growing Tips: Spotted bee balm grows best in full sun and well-drained, sandy soils. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and can even grow in poorer soil conditions where other plants might struggle. Light aids in germination.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Monarda punctata
Life Cycle
Perennial in zones 4–9
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
100–120
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–90°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow after the last frost. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. In warmer regions, seeds can be sown in the fall and left on the soil surface over winter; they come up in late winter or early spring and, needing 100-120 days to maturity, bloom from midsummer on, with the fullest bloom often coming the second year​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

To start Spotted bee balm from seeds, simply press the seeds onto the soil surface without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, usually within 14-21 days. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent location, spaced about 12 inches apart​.

How to Grow

Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods, but be careful not to overwater, as the plant prefers drier conditions. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Spotted bee balm can spread by self-seeding, so monitor its growth if you prefer a more controlled garden space​.

How to Save Seeds

Seeds usually mature 1-3 weeks after flowers bloom. To test, bend the spent head into a bag and tap. If the seeds are brown, they are ready. Spread them out and allow them to dry for 2-3 days. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place.

FAQ

How tall does Spotted bee balm grow?

It typically grows between 18 and 24 inches tall, forming clumps that can spread over time.

Why do deer tend to leave Spotted bee balm alone?

It is strongly aromatic, containing more of the aromatic compound thymol than other members of the mint family, and that pungent foliage is a large part of why deer and many browsing pests pass it by. It is a dependable choice for low-maintenance plantings.

Does Spotted bee balm attract pollinators?

Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, making it an excellent plant for pollinator gardens.

Browse our full range of bee balm seeds.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 13 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Pollinator magnet: Bees come in droves; some call it their best pollinator plant.

  • Unusual stacked blooms: Layered flowers stacked up the stalk, strikingly unusual.

  • Easy from seed: Germinates readily indoors and takes off once planted out.

  • Heads up: Blooms little until year two; color runs more cream than pink.

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