{"product_id":"bergamot-seeds","title":"Bergamot Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eBergamot, also called wild bee balm (\u003cem\u003eMonarda fistulosa\u003c\/em\u003e), is a hardy North American perennial herb with lavender-pink, crown-shaped blooms and aromatic, minty-oregano foliage. These non-GMO bergamot seeds grow into tall, upright clumps that fill the summer garden with fragrance and buzzing pollinators. It is a favorite for herbal teas and naturalized plantings alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho it's for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGreat for tea gardeners, pollinator enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a low-maintenance native perennial that returns year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow \u0026amp; when to plant\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct-sow in early spring; seeds benefit from light and cool temperatures to germinate. Barely cover with 1\/8 inch of soil, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart in full sun to part shade. Cold-hardy in USDA zones 3–9, it prefers average, well-drained soil and tolerates some drought once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHarvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlants typically flower and are ready for leaf and flower harvest in the second year, about 90–120 days into active growth each season. Snip leaves anytime and gather flowers just as they open, then dry them in a warm, airy spot for later use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBenefits \u0026amp; uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe citrusy-minty leaves and edible flowers make a bright herbal tea and a colorful garnish for salads and desserts. In the garden, bergamot is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a standout in borders and wildflower beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this the bergamot used in Earl Grey tea?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. That flavoring comes from a citrus tree; this is bee balm, an herb with its own citrusy, minty aroma popular in homemade teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it come back every year?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It is a hardy perennial in zones 3–9 and will spread into a fuller clump over the seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many seeds are in a packet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach packet contains about 300 seeds, plenty for a generous patch or several garden clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organo Republic","offers":[{"title":"0.1G","offer_id":45317431820495,"sku":"ORIHBE_05_16","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.5G","offer_id":45317431853263,"sku":"ORIHBE_05_17","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/6437\/1919\/files\/Bergamot-Seeds-Organo-Republic-266940935.png?v=1783463328","url":"https:\/\/organorepublic.com\/products\/bergamot-seeds","provider":"Organo Republic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}