- Soak bee balm seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting to improve germination rates.
- Bee balm seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, press them lightly into the soil surface.
- Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch (3 mm).
- Bee balm seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Bee balm seeds typically germinate within 7-21 days.
- Bee balm can be started either indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
- For outdoor planting, start bee balm seeds in the spring after the last frost date in your area.
- Bee balm is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
- Bee balm is frost hardy and can survive light frosts.
- Bee balm is a perennial herb.
- Space bee balm seeds at least 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
- Thin seedlings to one plant every 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) when they have developed their first true leaves.
- Space bee balm plants at least 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.
- Bee balm requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
- Mature bee balm plants can grow up to 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall.
- Transplant bee balm seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost date in your area.
- Bee balm produces showy flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. The flowers are tubular and arranged in dense clusters at the top of tall stems.
