Bergamot Growing Guide

Monarda didyma

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Rich soil that holds moisture well.

Position

Morning sun with partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

A cold-hardy perennial which can survive temperatures to -20F

Feeding

Topdress the dormant plants with good compost in winter.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 50cm (1' 7") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start with purchased plants, set out in spring. 30 cm each way is a good spacing for an initial planting of 3 plants. Bergamot is a slight spreader, but not invasive like mint. Over time, a happy plant will form a mound 120 cm high and wide.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Attracts bees. Leaves are excellent for tea.

Harvesting

Harvest stems to dry for tea in early summer, before the plants bloom. The plants will regrow after cutting, then bloom.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Bergamot

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail