How to Grow Lemon Mint From Seed

Is lemon mint the same as regular garden mint?

Not quite. Lemon mint is Monarda citriodora, a member of the bee balm family rather than a true Mentha. It has a bright, lemony minty scent and grows as an upright annual or short-lived perennial with tiered whorls of lavender-pink flowers, so it behaves differently from spreading garden mint.

Does lemon mint attract pollinators?

Yes, lemon mint is a pollinator magnet. Its stacked whorls of tubular lavender-pink flowers are loved by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which makes it a great choice for a pollinator patch or the edge of a vegetable garden.

How do I grow lemon mint from seed?

Surface-sow the small seeds on moist mix and press in lightly, since they benefit from light to germinate. Keep them warm and evenly moist, then grow in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Unlike spreading garden mint, lemon mint grows in upright clumps and reseeds, so it is easy to place in a border or pollinator bed.

What is lemon mint used for?

Lemon mint is grown for both its bright lemon-mint fragrance and its ornamental, pollinator-friendly flowers. The aromatic leaves and blooms can be steeped into a refreshing herbal tea, and the tiered lavender-pink flower stalks make a lovely cut flower and garden accent.