Mint: Horse (Monarda fistulosa)
SKU:
$1.00
$1.00 - $5.60
$1.00
per item
Butterfly attracting premier! Bursting with lavender heads of flowers, this popular perennial wildflower puts on a beautiful show! Medium to tall in height, this plant looks great planted en masse, or with other meadow dwellers. Its sweetly aromatic foliage makes it even more desirable. A classic!
Scientific Name: Monarda fistulosa
Also Known As: Wild Bergamot.
Native Range: Canada, United States, Mexico
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): July to September
Light: Full Sun To Part Shade
Water: Dry to medium
Soil Moisture: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds and is resistant to Deer.
Containers: Yes. If you want to grow Horsemint in a container, you can prepare a well-drained soil mixture for them to grow in. A mixture of perlite, peat moss, dry compost, vermiculite and some manure for nutrition will be perfect. Select a place in your garden for the container where there is full sun or partial shade.
Maintenance: Medium
Height: 24-48"
Spacing: 24-36"
Sow Depth: 1/8"
USDA Zone: 3a-9b
Produces: 2-4" lavender flower heads and Gray-Green leaves.
Garden Uses: Provides color and contrast for the herb garden, wild garden, native plant garden, meadow or naturalized area. May be used in the perennial border, but is simply a less colorful selection than the similar-in-appearance Monarda didyma and its many cultivars (the bee balms).
Also Known As: Wild Bergamot.
Native Range: Canada, United States, Mexico
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): July to September
Light: Full Sun To Part Shade
Water: Dry to medium
Soil Moisture: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds and is resistant to Deer.
Containers: Yes. If you want to grow Horsemint in a container, you can prepare a well-drained soil mixture for them to grow in. A mixture of perlite, peat moss, dry compost, vermiculite and some manure for nutrition will be perfect. Select a place in your garden for the container where there is full sun or partial shade.
Maintenance: Medium
Height: 24-48"
Spacing: 24-36"
Sow Depth: 1/8"
USDA Zone: 3a-9b
Produces: 2-4" lavender flower heads and Gray-Green leaves.
Garden Uses: Provides color and contrast for the herb garden, wild garden, native plant garden, meadow or naturalized area. May be used in the perennial border, but is simply a less colorful selection than the similar-in-appearance Monarda didyma and its many cultivars (the bee balms).
No pre-treatment needed. Sow seeds during January in 2" Soil Blocks, placed in a cool location. The seeds should germinate in one to two weeks. Seedlings will need a starter fertilizer solution for up to seven weeks, at which time you can transplant them into 3-inch pots. Water and fertilize the seedlings regularly, then plant in the garden 24-36" apart when the roots fill the container.
Horsemint prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade. However, if it doesn't get enough sunlight, it may not flower as much. Horsemint grows best in a moist, rich loam with a pH between 6 and 8, although loam soils may cause the plant to flop around during the growing season. Horsemint can actually tolerate almost any soil condition, from clay to rocky to nutritionally deficient soil, as long as it's well drained. Horsemint doesn't do well during flooding. The plant does tolerate mild drought, although the lower leaves will turn yellow and drop off. To control aggressive growth, divide large plants every two to three years.
Flower Heads:
1. Cut off Horsemint flower heads when they bloom in early to late summer using garden shears or a sharp knife. Make the cut just below the base of each flower head.
2. Inspect the flowers for and remove any insects or debris.
3. Gather the flower heads into small bundles, then put each bundle in a paper bag.
4. Put the bags in well-ventilated area to allow the flowers to dry.
Leaves:
Cut off bergamot leaves as needed throughout the growing season. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use.
Warning: If not dried properly, harvested Horsemint may develop mold. Don't keep your bergamot in a damp area or a room without adequate ventilation.
1. Cut off Horsemint flower heads when they bloom in early to late summer using garden shears or a sharp knife. Make the cut just below the base of each flower head.
2. Inspect the flowers for and remove any insects or debris.
3. Gather the flower heads into small bundles, then put each bundle in a paper bag.
4. Put the bags in well-ventilated area to allow the flowers to dry.
Leaves:
Cut off bergamot leaves as needed throughout the growing season. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use.
Warning: If not dried properly, harvested Horsemint may develop mold. Don't keep your bergamot in a damp area or a room without adequate ventilation.
1. Allow Horsemint flowers to bloom and remain on the plant if you want to harvest seeds. When the flowers produce seeds, cut off the seed heads and lay them on a tray to dry for a few days.
2. Put the harvested flower heads in a paper bag and shake to separate the seeds from the heads.
3. Run the seeds through a sieve to separate them from the chaff. Keep the seeds stored in a sealed container or bag with a small amount of moist peat moss or sand.
4. Store fresh seeds in the refrigerator.
2. Put the harvested flower heads in a paper bag and shake to separate the seeds from the heads.
3. Run the seeds through a sieve to separate them from the chaff. Keep the seeds stored in a sealed container or bag with a small amount of moist peat moss or sand.
4. Store fresh seeds in the refrigerator.
Horsemint leaves are boiled for tea, used for seasoning, and chewed raw or dried. Horsemint also produces edible flowers.
Leaves: raw or cooked. The entire plant above ground level can be used as a potherb, though it is rather aromatic. It is also used as a flavoring in salads and cooked foods. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing aromatic tea.
Flowers: The flowers make an attractive edible garnish in salads.
Leaves: raw or cooked. The entire plant above ground level can be used as a potherb, though it is rather aromatic. It is also used as a flavoring in salads and cooked foods. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing aromatic tea.
Flowers: The flowers make an attractive edible garnish in salads.
Horsemint was often employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially those connected with the digestive system. It is still sometimes used in modern herbalism. The leaves and flowering stems are carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stimulant. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of colds, catarrh, headaches, gastric disorders, aching kidneys, to reduce low fevers and soothe sore throats. Externally, it is applied as a poultice to skin eruptions, cuts etc and as a wash for sore eyes. The leaves can be harvested before the plant flowers, or they can be harvested with the flowering stems. They can be used fresh or dried. The plant contains the essential oil "bergamot oil" which can be inhaled to treat bronchial complaints. The leaves also contain "thymol", an essential oil that can be used to expel gas from the digestive tract.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
The fragrant leaves can be used for perfume.
Companion planting is an excellent practice for any skill level of gardener. By using the natural substances contained within a plant’s roots your garden can both repel unwanted insects and attract those with useful traits. Companion planting can also be used to group flowers that prefer similar conditions.
Using companion plants as a border, backdrop, or interplanting in your garden beds will allow you to harness the ecosystem to its full potential. It is best to use plants native to your area so that the insects you seek to attract will know what to look for!
Hummingbird Garden Plants: Bergamot attracts hummingbirds with its red and pink blossoms and its tubular flowers that are naturally suited for a hummingbird's long beak. Other similar flowers include Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa), with red and yellow flowers, or silver sage (Salvia argentea), with white flowers tinged with red. Both companions also thrive in full sun or partial shade in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Herbs: As a member of the mint family, bergamot leaves have a minty smell and make a pleasant, herbal tea. Bergamot adds color and height to an herb garden and should be planted near the center of the garden surrounded by your preference of shorter herbs grown as annuals, such as basil, thyme, chives and parsley. Add a perennial herb such as rosemary in USDA plant hardiness zones 7a through 11 for year-round interest in the garden bed.
Colors: Also grown in full sun in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 11, bright yellow daylilies would work well planted in the same garden bed with the warm colors of bergamot. For a contrasting accent, midnight blue agapanthus (Agapanthus x "Monmid") adds the cool-blue color in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 11.
Shapes: As a 6- to 8-inch ground cover growing around the base of bergamot, the light green leaves and multiple flowers of dwarf annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5a through 11 and come in a variety of colors. The blue-gray leaves of the perennial blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) contrast nicely in both shape and color with bergamot. Blue oat grass thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Using companion plants as a border, backdrop, or interplanting in your garden beds will allow you to harness the ecosystem to its full potential. It is best to use plants native to your area so that the insects you seek to attract will know what to look for!
Hummingbird Garden Plants: Bergamot attracts hummingbirds with its red and pink blossoms and its tubular flowers that are naturally suited for a hummingbird's long beak. Other similar flowers include Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa), with red and yellow flowers, or silver sage (Salvia argentea), with white flowers tinged with red. Both companions also thrive in full sun or partial shade in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Herbs: As a member of the mint family, bergamot leaves have a minty smell and make a pleasant, herbal tea. Bergamot adds color and height to an herb garden and should be planted near the center of the garden surrounded by your preference of shorter herbs grown as annuals, such as basil, thyme, chives and parsley. Add a perennial herb such as rosemary in USDA plant hardiness zones 7a through 11 for year-round interest in the garden bed.
Colors: Also grown in full sun in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 11, bright yellow daylilies would work well planted in the same garden bed with the warm colors of bergamot. For a contrasting accent, midnight blue agapanthus (Agapanthus x "Monmid") adds the cool-blue color in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 11.
Shapes: As a 6- to 8-inch ground cover growing around the base of bergamot, the light green leaves and multiple flowers of dwarf annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5a through 11 and come in a variety of colors. The blue-gray leaves of the perennial blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) contrast nicely in both shape and color with bergamot. Blue oat grass thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
The leaves have been used as an insect repellent.
Suggested Varieties
Basil: Italian Large Leaf (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Chefs in the Neapolitan region of Italy regard this variety of sweet, Genovese-type basil as the essential type of basil for their traditional cuisine. Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.
Basil: Lemon (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Lemon basil comes from a cross between African basil and common basil, and is widely grown in northeastern Africa and southern Asia. Popular for its strong lemon scent, lemon basil is often found in Lao, Persian, Arabian, Indonesian and Thai cuisine. Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.
Basil: Purple Ruffles (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Ted Torrey, once the director of the Vegetable Research at the W. Atlee Burpee & Company, developed the Purple Ruffles variety of basil. This cross between Green Ruffles and Dark Opal varieties of basil was first released in 1984, and won the AAS Award in 1987.
Basil: Spicy Bush (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Definitely one of the best looking basils around, Spicy Bush Basil is a must have! It not only looks good being a petite ornamental bush with small ¾” shiny leaves, but it is also very aromatic and taste fantastic in salads, pesto and much more! This fine herb will grow practically anywhere from rock gardens, herb beds, to container gardening.
Basil: Sweet (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.
Chives: Garlic (Allium tuberosum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Originating in western China, garlic chives have been used in Asian cuisine for thousands of years. Unlike the traditional tubular leaves of regular chives, garlic chives have flat, narrow blades; some gardeners blanch their garlic chives, causing them to develop a pale yellow color. Traditional pad Thai, Chinese jiaozi, and various Korean dishes such as buchukimchi often contain garlic chives; they also make a popular addition to stir fries, soups, and dishes with eggs or fish. These delicately garlic scented leaves are often used more as a vegetable than an herb, and may also substitute for standard chives. Garlic chives provide abundant vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Chives: Onion (Allium schoenoprasum var. album)
$1.00 - $5.60
Chives, the oldest species of edible onion known, has been used in China since about 3000 B.C. The botanical name actually comes from the Greek meaning, "reed-like leek". Chives are now grown all over the world; historical legend states that Marco Polo discovered this herb in China and brought it back to his native land. Medieval gardeners often planted chives around the borders for both decoration and to ward off harmful insects. Traditional medicinal uses, though not as common, included treatment for high cholesterol and poor digestion. Along with parsley, tarragon, and chervil, chives is included in the famous blend of herbs known as "Fines herbes." The onion-like flavor of chives makes them a traditional addition to dishes with cheese, eggs, fish, or potatoes; the flowers make a delicate herbal vinegar, in addition to being a colorful addition to salads.
Parsley: Italian Giant (Heirloom) (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Parsley has a long and colorful history, being well known in many cultures. Myths and legends abound concerning this herb, making it the symbol of such widely varying things as death, victory, and life. One colonial superstition connecting parsley with death held such power that many farmers refused to grow this herb at all. Curly leaved parsley is the most well known and commonly available herb; it contains vitamins A and C as well as other valuable antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Thyme: Common (Thymus vulgaris)
$1.00 - $5.60
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, thyme has a well established reputation for providing healing and protection; it also symbolizes courage, bravery, and strength. For centuries, soldiers would wear or carry sprigs of thyme with them to battle with the belief that the herb would protect them from danger. For culinary use, it is most often paired with lamb, poultry, or lemon; thyme makes one of the finest flavors of honey, and the plant attracts many bees. Medieval herbalists treated poisonous stings or bites with this herb, or burned it to purify the air. During the time of the Black Death, thyme became a major ingredient in many treatments for the disease. Whether or not it actually performed a cure, recent research confirms that thyme contains a very powerful antiseptic that may have medical benefits; records show several instances of thyme syrup completely curing whooping cough within a week. Though culinary use is fine, pregnant women should not take medicinal doses of thyme.
Thyme: Creeping (Thymus serpyllum)
$1.00 - $5.60
This plant is widely known as an herb. Thyme is the source of the oil Serpolet, which is used in herbal medicine. The plant is also often used as a food seasoning and the dried leaves may be used to make tea! This low growing plant with creeping, woody foliage bears small, lavender colored flower during the months of June and July. The hardy plant tolerates some pedestrian traffic and produces odors ranging from heavily herbal to lightly lemon, depending on the plant!